Jose Mourinho convinced Vinicius Jr that departing Real Madrid would not be worthwhile, helping persuade the Brazil winger to stay at the Bernabeu.
The 26-year-old had reached the last year of his contract, leaving him free to sign for another club without a transfer fee next summer.
Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, had shown interest as negotiations dragged on, raising the prospect of them signing one of the finest wide players in world football. Vinicius eventually ended the uncertainty earlier this month by agreeing a new six-year deal with Real.
Mourinho, 63, was confirmed in June as Real’s manager for a second spell and has now described the role he played in retaining the Brazilian international.
“Vinicius has fallen in love with Real Madrid,” Mourinho said on Spanish television programme El Chiringuito.
“I simply asked him where he wanted to go. He has only experienced Brazil and Real Madrid, and you do not truly understand what this club is until you leave it. I told him not to go because it would not be worth it.”
He added that Vinicius had been encouraged by the progress within the squad, saying the group’s development and the team’s work had created “a very important feeling” for the winger.
Mourinho faced Real Madrid on three occasions in last season’s Champions League while in charge of Benfica.
In their second encounter, the opening leg of a knockout-round play-off, Real players accused Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing Vinicius. The match was halted for approximately eight minutes.
Prestianni rejected the allegation, while Mourinho stood behind his Benfica player.
UEFA subsequently issued Prestianni a three-match suspension, with another three matches suspended, for homophobic behaviour.
Discussing the episode, Mourinho said Vinicius could count on him for support.
“Prestianni was my player, and that settles it. Even if 20 players confronted me, I would still stand with Prestianni. There is nothing more to discuss,” he said.
“Vini now understands where I stand. He can look me in the eyes and know that I will be on his side.”
Real Madrid have gone two unusual years without a major trophy and are searching for a route back to the summit, with Spain captain Rodri identified as a player who could help their revival.
Rodri was approaching the final season of his Manchester City contract and had previously spoken about wanting to return to Spain at some stage of his career. Real and Barcelona therefore moved to compete for his signature.
The midfielder ultimately joined La Liga champions Barcelona in a £65m transfer, and Mourinho has revealed the doubts he experienced while Real pursued the player.
“We spoke on a couple of occasions and Real Madrid presented him with a strong proposal. Rodri was uncertain, and his uncertainty made me question the situation as well,” Mourinho said.
“He is an outstanding footballer and conducted himself properly with us throughout. However, Real Madrid is such a significant club that we cannot have players here who hesitate about joining.
“I hope things go well for him — although perhaps not too well. Still, I wish him success.”
