Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr has apologized for his petulant reaction to being substituted in Sunday’s Clasico victory over Barcelona.
The Brazilian winger was substituted in the 72nd minute at the Santiago Bernabéu, but made his displeasure clear by saying: “I’m leaving this team” before heading straight into the tunnel.
Their actions, which coach Xabi Alonso said would be addressed internally, generated much criticism and threatened to overshadow an excellent performance by Madrid, in which they beat their arch-rivals more comfortably than the 2-1 scoreline suggested.
But today, the 25-year-old expressed his regret and admitted that he had also asked his teammates for forgiveness, although he did not mention Alonso in his statement.
He said: “Today I want to apologize to all the Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clásico. Just as I have already done in person during training today, I also want to apologize again to my teammates, the club and the president.”
“Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive nature is born from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to continue fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one.”
Vinicius Jr involved in the fight with Yamal
When Vinicius Jr returned to the bench from the locker room, he was involved in the post-match brawl in which several Madrid players attacked Lamine Yamal, who had made inflammatory comments before the match about the capital club.
The former Flamengo star has struggled to replicate his best form over the past 12 months, since losing out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting.
This latest incident is another disappointing chapter in his Madrid career, which currently appears to be at a standstill, but the South American received words of support from his former teammate Toni Kroos.
Kroos, who retired last year after a brilliant career at the Bernabéu, said: “When you play an exceptional game, especially in a game like this, at least you are not happy. [at being substituted]. I never liked being substituted either, although to be fair I’ve never gone to the locker room right after being taken off.
“It’s easy to judge from the outside. I like to keep in mind that in reality those who are down there in a Classic, in front of 80,000 spectators and with the score 2-1, want anything but to leave. Nobody can judge and imagine that emotion.”
