Vinicius Junior has apologised to Real Madrid fans after his outburst at being substituted during Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona.
The 25-year-old asked “Me?” five times after seeing he was being replaced by Rodrygo in the 72nd minute. “Always me. I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave, I’m leaving,” Vinicius Jr said as he went straight to the dressing room without acknowledging head coach Xabi Alonso, who did not look at the forward.
Vinicius Jr was later pictured on the Madrid bench towards the end of the game, which his side won 2-1 at the Bernabeu.
On Wednesday, the Brazilian apologised for his reaction to the substitution, referencing his “team-mates, the club, and the president” but not Alonso.
“Today I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico,” Vinicius Jr’s statement read. “Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologise again to my team-mates, the club, and the president.
“Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents.
“I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.”
Brazil international Vinicius Jr has not completed a full 90 minutes since Madrid’s October 4 win against Villarreal. He has made 13 appearances for Alonso’s side in all competitions this season and completed three full matches.
Madrid’s victory put them five points ahead of Barcelona at the top of La Liga. They are next in action against 18th-placed Valencia at home on Saturday.
A necessary apology and a pointed omission
Analysis from Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana
This statement from Vinicius Jr was necessary. After a scene like the one at the Bernabeu on Sunday, during Spanish football’s biggest match, it was best for him to apologise both internally and externally, regardless of the reasons behind Alonso’s decision.
Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss matters publicly, indicate club figures were not happy with Vinicius Jr’s reaction, especially as he is the third captain of the squad, but neither did they like Alonso’s handling of him.
It was quickly decided by Madrid that he would not be fined for his behaviour. The club also expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved naturally internally.
Those close to Vinicius Jr say Alonso was deliberately not mentioned in the apology, as the player feels hurt by the treatment he is receiving from the coach. They also add that they have felt the club’s support in recent days.
This opens up a scenario in which every gesture and action will be overanalysed. The first key moment could be next Friday, when Alonso will speak at a press conference for the first time since the incident. The second will be the Basque coach’s line-up on Saturday for the visit of Valencia.