Jose Mourinho has said Vinicius Junior should have left Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, when Arsenal reportedly targeted the Brazilian winger. The former Real Madrid coach said Vinicius should have moved to a club where he feels 'respected', adding that he would have left in his position.

Why is Vinicius Junior suspended?

Vinicius received a four-match ban after pulling Nathan Saliba's hair during Madrid's 1-0 win over Villarreal. According to the disciplinary committee, two games were for 'violent conduct, without the possibility of playing the ball', and two more were for arguing with the referee with an aggressive attitude that required his teammates to restrain him.

Why did Mourinho question the timing?

The ban was announced just hours before Madrid's Champions League match against Roma, which Madrid won 4-3 after scoring in the 83rd, 85th and 90th minutes. Mourinho asked whether it was normal for a player to learn of a four-match ban shortly before a match. He suggested the situation raised wider concerns.

What did Mourinho say about Vinicius's future?

Mourinho later clarified that Vinicius signed his contract because Real Madrid is his home. He described the forward as a great young player.

For international fans

Vinicius Junior is one of the best-known Brazilian forwards in world football and a key figure for Real Madrid. Mourinho is a former Real Madrid manager, so his comments carry weight among Spanish football fans. International viewers can follow Madrid's European matches through their local broadcasters.