'I feel more confident' - Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior breaks silence on $1 billion Saudi Arabia transfer talk

The Brazilian winger has been the subject of an eye-watering $1 billion (£756m/€896m) approach from the Saudi Pro League that was not immediately rejected by the 24-year-old, causing concern among the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy. ESPN has reported that Vinicius Jr. will wait until the end of the season before deciding whether to pursue the Saudi offer, which would make him the highest-paid athlete in the world.

The Brazil international, however, has now finally addressed the transfer rumour, insisting that he wants to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu on a long-term basis. He further stated that he feels confident at Real Madrid, playing alongside some of the top talents in the world as he aims to win more major trophies.

Speaking to CNN Sports, the Los Blancos star said: "I always play to be among the best and, each day that passes at Real Madrid, I feel more confident. I’ve already won two Champions Leagues and I play with others who already won six – [Dani] Carvajal also has won six and they motivate us each day to play beyond our limits and that everything is possible with the team we have now.

"We already made it this far [winning two Champions Leagues in three years], it was really hard. But to stay at the highest level, it’s much harder, so I want to stay at this level for a long time and be able to win as many Champions League as Carvajal, [Luka] Modrić, Nacho and Toni [Kroos], who won six."

He added: "We might have one of the best teams for the next decade, and now, we have to show on the pitch that we can perform. And I, along with my team-mates, each time, each game we play, we can get closer to winning Real Madrid more titles."

The Brazil international has enjoyed a remarkable 2024 that could culminate in his maiden Ballon d'Or award. He will be next seen in action on Thursday night as Real Madrid take on Las Palmas in La Liga.