Perez Ready To Let Vinicius Go, Blames Club World Cup For Real Madrid Struggles

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has insisted the club will not prevent Vinicius Junior from leaving if the Brazilian winger decides to seek a move elsewhere, amid ongoing uncertainty over his future at the Spanish giants.

Talks over a contract extension for Vinicius have yet to produce an agreement, fuelling speculation about the forward’s long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking to El Pais, Perez made it clear that the final decision rests with the player.

“There is time [to sign an extension]. I would love for him to stay for the rest of his life,” he said.

“He is deeply identified with the club. You know who doesn’t like him? People who aren’t Real Madrid fans.

“If he doesn’t want to be at Madrid and wants to sign with someone else, he will be free to do so. I’m not going to force him into anything.

“Money will not be the most important factor; it never has been.”

The veteran club chief also reflected on what he described as a difficult campaign, blaming the expanded FIFA Club World Cup for disrupting the team’s preparations.

According to Perez, the tournament left Real Madrid without a proper pre-season and contributed to a lengthy injury list.

“The Club World Cup killed us this season,” Perez said.

“We didn’t have a preseason, and after three months we had 28 injuries.

“It’s a learning experience. I want to play in the Club World Cup, but not by throwing away a whole season.”

Real Madrid endured another disappointing season, making it two successive campaigns without silverware.

The Spanish giants are now expected to usher in a new era, with Jose Mourinho reportedly set to be announced as manager this summer.