Vinicius Junior was concerned about missing Brazil’s World Cup campaign due to injury after being targeted by “dirty” challenges in the build-up to the event.
Vinicius Junior’s stats so far this season
This season, the Real Madrid winger has contributed to nine LaLiga goals (six goals, three assists), a total only surpassed by Robert Lewandowski (17) and Borja Iglesias (10).
Vinicius has also earned 16 senior caps for Brazil after making his debut in 2019, becoming as a crucial member of Tite’s squad ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
With the World Cup’s mid-season scheduling being criticized after some big-name players, including Sadio Mane and Paul Pogba, were ruled out due to injury, Vinicius claims he and teammate Rodrygo were both targeted with unsavory challenges by opponents.
Vinicius Junior’s statement
“What happens on the field stays on the field, but it went too far,” Vinicius told Reuters.
“You can come strong, but they were being dirty with their challenges. Rodrygo and I suffered a lot in those last games and feared the worst, to get injured and miss the World Cup.
“When you start to become an important player, rivals come after you harder. You have to learn to deal with that.
“I learned a lot from Neymar when he played for Barcelona, he suffered a lot too. Cristiano [Ronaldo], when he played for Real, suffered a lot too.
“But it was Karim [Benzema] who told me to stay calm and have peace of mind, because if the rivals are chasing you it is because you are relevant, because they are afraid of you.
“So that’s why when I take the ball and burst forward, I do it with a vengeance. Yes, I can get hurt. But I’m prepared for the challenge.”
Brazil begins its quest for a sixth World Cup against Serbia on Thursday, hoping to defend a strong group-stage record in recent tournaments.
Brazil’s World Cup stats
The Selecao has won 12 (D3) of its last 15 World Cup group games, with their last defeat being against Norway in 1998.
