Brazilian Vinicius Junior says he could have joined Barcelona last summer but was persuaded to move to Real Madrid by two compatriots.
The 18-year-old has turned heads with his displays for Los Blancos this season, with seven goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
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The Brazil Under-20 ace has started just eight La Liga games but is one for the future and a player that is highly thought of at the Bernabeu.
Vinicius moved from Rio de Janeiro-base club Flamengo in 2018, and it seems as though two of Real’s Brazil internationals played a big part in him not signing for Real’s fierce rivals.
“My father never told me of interest until Barcelona and Real Madrid,” he told Cadena SER. “Then we visited both clubs and liked them both.
“Barcelona wanted to pay more, but we wanted the best project and Marcelo and Casemiro spoke to me and helped me decide.”
