Former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has joined the growing list of football figures advising Vinicius Junior to focus on his game and avoid distractions.
The Brazilian winger, who is recently discovered to have Cameroonian lineage, has faced criticism for his temper on the field, which led to the third red card of his career in January.
Casemiro, who shares a close bond with Vinicius from their time together at Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, has offered him words of wisdom.
In an interview with Diario AS, Casemiro revealed the advice he had shared with Vinicius during their time with Brazil.
“I would tell him, as I already told him when we met with Brazil, that ‘there is only one way to stop you: by taking you out of the game.’ Only then can you stop him.
“If Vini is focused on the game, focused on his football, he is the best in the world. If so, he is the best.
“But it is not easy, because they are constantly going after him. With the problems he has suffered I am very sad. My children are Spanish and I was sad.
“Despite all that, he must focus on playing football. When he focuses only on that he is the best by far. He has been making a difference for many years. I told him with Brazil: ‘Never lose the smile or that joy you have playing. Be yourself and you will be unstoppable’.”
The Brazilian forward is currently navigating both on-field challenges and off-field uncertainties.
Alongside his disciplinary issues, Vinicius is in the middle of contract negotiations with Real Madrid, while a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia looms.
Casemiro, however, believes staying in Spain would be the best decision for his former teammate.
“If I spoke to you as a fan I would tell you to look at how important it is to make history in football, in your career.
“He has already done it so far, but at his age he has a long way to go to continue doing it. But it is a very personal decision. As a fan, the nicer thing is to continue watching him with Real Madrid.”
Reports suggest that contract talks between Vinicius and Real Madrid have reached a critical stage, with significant compromises needed for both sides to agree.
