Ex-Real Madrid star urges Vinicius to reject Saudi move – ‘It’s not all about the money’ | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview with Cadena SER, former Real Madrid forward Jese Rodriguez has urged Vinicius Jr. not to leave the club amid links with a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia.

Vinicius, 24, is attracting serious interest from the Middle Eastern nation and even though the rumours have been downplayed, there is a sense of doubt within the Merengues’ dressing room that the Brazilian might be tempted by the bumper offer.

However, Jese, who currently plays in Malaysia with Johor FC, has told the winger to stay put at Real Madrid, claiming that the club showed their confidence in him by handing the captain’s armband against Real Sociedad earlier this week.

“If I were Vinicius, I wouldn’t go to Saudi Arabia. He’s at the best club in the world. I think the club sent a message yesterday by giving him the captain’s armband,” he stated.

“It’s different when you have that responsibility – there’s more pressure. He could go in five years. It’s not all about the money.”

Vinicius is a target for Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Jese also had words of praise for Vinicius’ Real Madrid and Brazil teammate Endrick, who scored the winner against Real Sociedad.

“I had already said that if he has a bit of continuity, Endrick can help Real Madrid a lot. He can play as a striker, on the wing and he has the ability to score goals,” said the ex-PSG attacker.

“He is a quick, powerful player and he hits the ball very well. When I don’t watch the matches live, I watch them on replay.”

Jese also weighed in on the La Liga title race, saying that Real Madrid will come out on top as Kylian Mbappe gives them an edge.

“La Liga is tight but I trust my Madrid. I think they are reaching their best moment especially because Mbappe is one step ahead of everyone else. I think Ancelotti has found the right system – the 4-4-2 with more freedom for Vinicius and Mbappe,” he noted.

On being asked if he would like to see any Real Madrid star join him in Asia in the future, Jese replied:

“If the bubble of this club in Asia continues to grow as ambitious as the Prince is, I wouldn’t be surprised if, if they become a big club in Asia, they could bring in a Real Madrid player.

“I don’t know if someone from the club would come because it’s not easy to leave Real Madrid. If I had to choose, I would choose Modric because he is a great player.”