Vinicius Junior has confirmed his desire to extend his contract with Real Madrid, stating that he wants to repay the faith shown in him by making history at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 24-year-old has been regularly linked with a world record move to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League, with Spanish media suggesting that the flying winger is prepared to listen to what is on offer.

A new contract proposal from Madrid has reportedly been rejected by Vinicius and his camp, prompting club chiefs to try to understand what it will take for the Brazilian to put pen to paper on a new deal.

It’s thought Vinicius wants his deal to represent his standing not only at Madrid, but also as one of the world’s best players. Speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s crunch Champions League round of 16 first leg tie with neigbourhood rivals Atletico, Vinicius made it crystal clear that he wants to remain in the Spanish capital.

“I’m very calm, because I have a contract until 2027 and let’s hope we can renew my contract as soon as possible,” Vinicius told the pre-match news conference. “I’m happy here, playing with the best players in the world, the best coach [Carlo Ancelotti], the best president [Florentino Pérez], where everyone loves me. I couldn’t be anywhere better than here.

“I’m here to make history, with everything this club has given me,” he continued.

“Let’s hope I can score more goals, play more games in this shirt. My dream as a kid was playing here. Now I’m here, I can win a lot more and go down in the history of this club, which is difficult with all the great legends who’ve played here.

One major talking point towards the end of 2024 was Vinicius being overlooked for the Ballon d’Or in favour of Rodri – a decision that prompted a boycott of the ceremony from every player and official associated with Real Madrid.

Vinicius bore the brunt of criticism for skipping the ceremony, but detailed that he’d simply followed the instructions of Madrid, who were put out by the decision not to reward his La Liga and Champions League winning exploits.

“I did what the club told me to do. The club asked me to stay in Madrid so I calmly stayed and now we wait for the next one,” Vinicius said.

“I have never dreamt about winning the Ballon d’Or but, of course, once you are so close to win it, you want to win it,” he added. “I am going to have many chances to win other awards and silverware with this club which is more important. I have won two Champions Leagues so far and I am here to win many more.”