Vinicius: I hope we can win the 16th Champions League title; this competition belongs to us

Before the new Champions League season began, Vinicius spoke with Real Madrid TV about his relationship with Real Madrid, his Champions League journey, his growth as a player, and his increasing importance in the dressing room.

Tell us, how have you started preparing for the match against Inter Milan? How did the first steps at the Valdebebas training ground, the opening training sessions, begin?

Every time the Champions League arrives, it feels different. We are ready for this match. Although it is only the first game, the opponent is a strong team. We must be fully prepared mentally and technically because this match will demand a lot from us. The coach has already explained what might happen during the game, and I think we must focus on that, which is the most important thing.

If I tell you, 'The Champions League is starting,' what melody comes to your mind? Or what feeling do you have?

It sounds like we hope the 16th Champions League trophy will come. We are ready for it. I think this competition belongs to us. Two years ago we were not ready. Our first objective is to reach the top eight, but we are always confident and excited about the Champions League.

There are countless Madrid fans around the world watching us. How would you explain what the day before such an important Champions League match is like in Vinicius' life? How do you wake up, what do you do at home, what is a day at Valdebebas like, including training, returning home, and the equally important rest?

I think daily training is no different from other days, but obviously the feeling of anxiety is different before these decisive matches. Fans are ready and they always want us to win the Champions League. I hope we can be prepared as we have been in recent matches. I think we have had a good start to the season. Although we lost the last game, we played well and created many chances, and that is what matters most. We must focus on taking Real Madrid to the top, as always.

In your Champions League history with Real Madrid, you have played 82 matches, won two titles, and scored in both finals you played, which is not easy. You also have 32 assists and 34 goals. I brought your first Champions League goal today to show you. This one...

Yes. It was against Brugge, right?

Against Brugge, December 11, 2019. What does the Vinicius wearing number 25 back then have in common with the Vinicius today, one of Real Madrid's captains, a two-time champion, a scorer in finals, and a player shining across Europe?

Playing in the Champions League and scoring my first goal was already a dream. I never imagined I would score so many goals or play here for so long. Now, at 26, being one of the captains of the greatest club in the world means a lot to me and my family. I came from a very poor place in Brazil and have reached this point. I want to keep making history because playing here is a dream. Being able to play every day with players I once dreamed of playing alongside is a precious opportunity not everyone gets. I hope we can bring fans more goals and more Champions League trophies. I think we will be ready on Tuesday, and our connection with the Bernabeu will be magical as always.

You just summarized what Real Madrid means. Regarding goals, do you remember that moment? Who was the first person you thought of after scoring?

I think all my family members, because this has always been my dream. At that time I did not score many goals, so every goal represented progress in my career. I think that photo and that goal helped me get to where I am today.

We mentioned your 34 Champions League goals for Real Madrid. I will give you this computer with five goals and ask you to rank them from first to fifth. But there is a small trick: these five do not include your two final goals against Liverpool and Dortmund, because I know those two are the most important. Before seeing these five goals, what memories do you have of those two?

Goals in finals? Yes, that was something I never dreamed of. Scoring and helping Real Madrid win were the two most important goals of my life. They are also the goals that made me happiest because they will be remembered forever. Many players score their first goal, but very few score in finals. Playing two finals for the greatest club in the world and scoring in both is something people will not forget, and I will not forget either. I hope there will be more moments like this in the future.

Let's begin. We will review these five goals, and afterward you have to decide their rankings.

This one is against Benfica. It could be one of my most beautiful goals, but I think I will put it second.

Second?

Yes, second.

The season's best goal against Benfica, ranked second.

Next... against Dortmund. This was one of the three goals from my hat-trick at the Bernabeu. It was also a great goal. This one goes third. This one is against Manchester City. I think it is the most beautiful one, so it goes first.

What was the hardest part of that goal?

Because I had to make a long run, starting from the halfway line. It was also a very difficult match, and the opponent was Manchester City, whom we always face. So I think it is the most beautiful goal.

And this one...

This was an early European goal you scored against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Shakhtar. This was also an extremely great goal. It goes fourth. It was really good because it was very difficult.

In such a small space and such a short time, how quickly does your mind have to work to complete so many dribbles?

No, it does not involve thinking. It is pure instinct. If you think about it, you cannot score goals like this.

And this one is against Liverpool... These are all beautiful goals. I could perhaps change the order of some, but I think I will keep the ranking as it is. They are all great goals and great memories.

Seeing these goals makes us think of the Champions League and Tuesday's match against Inter Milan at the Bernabeu. What will be the hardest part of this match? How do you face Inter Milan?

Inter Milan are a very physical team. They use a five-defender formation, which usually causes problems for us. But the coach already has his tactical plan and will tell us how to prepare. We also have injuries: Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo cannot play. That makes the match harder, but all the available players will give everything. We hope to have that wonderful connection between us and the fans and deliver a great game. I think this competition will be different from the last two years, and we will eventually win it.

Before we finish, we have reviewed the five goals, but I also want to play a quick-fire game with you. Shall we start? Are you ready?

Okay, let's go.

First question: what word would you use to define the Champions League?

Magic.

A sound that gives you goosebumps.

Real Madrid's anthem.

Can you sing a small part? Just a little? Do you accept the challenge?

"The history you write, the history you will write, because nobody can stop your desire for victory..."

Beautiful. It seems you really like it.

Yes, I always sing it. Always. I am loyal to Real Madrid until death.

In what year did you make your Champions League debut?

2018.

Exactly right. What was the most wonderful night you experienced at the Bernabeu?

Against Bayern Munich.

The match was level in the 90th minute at the Bernabeu and was entering stoppage time. What were you thinking?

Rodrygo's goals against Manchester City.

Incredible, right? Do you still remember that moment clearly?

It was a magical moment. We actually played well in both matches, but facing Manchester City is always difficult. Scoring two goals in three or four minutes and winning was amazing. Those were the key goals that took us to the final.

The final question is about the fans, Madridismo and the Bernabeu. What are Champions League nights at the Bernabeu like? How do the fans behave? What goes through your mind? How important are the chants, support and Madrid spirit on a day like next Tuesday?

Those are completely different days and matches, and the fans are also different. They make you feel that you are in the best stadium in the world, with the strongest team and the best supporters around you. I think they make us feel more important, and we perform better when we play these matches at the Bernabeu. They allow us to create those magical nights together as always.

Thank you very much, and good luck for the match!

Thank you very much. Go and beat them!