Vini Jr.: ‘’Reaching 100 goals and being part of the club's history is hugely significant‘’
"I came here as a kid and I never imagined I would score so many goals in such a short space of time," the Brazilian told Realmadrid TV.
Vini Jr. reached 100 goals for Real Madrid in the Champions League match against Salzburg. After achieving this figure and becoming part of our club's history, the Brazilian reviewed the key moments of his career on Realmadrid TV: "I came here as little more than a child, at just 18 and full of dreams. I never imagined that I would score so many goals in such a short space of time. To enter the club's history is very difficult because so many players and legends have played here, who have scored so many goals and won so much. To be alongside them is something very important and I've always dreamed about it."
"Reaching 100 goals is a very important milestone as is making history at the club. After seven seasons and at 24, it's very important for me and my family to be able to continue making history here. I hope I can stay with the team for many years to come."
Real Madrid idols
"I can't describe it because only 23 players at the club have scored 100 goals. And I'm among them alongside one of my idols: Ronaldo. He has always given me advice when it comes to scoring and shooting better. Also Cristiano because I have seen him play lots of times. He marked an era at the club and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps."
Following in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps
"Cristiano scored 451 goals. More goals than games and I got to see almost all of them. I've been watching him since I was a kid and he's one of my biggest idols. To reach a milestone with him and other great players is important. It's a long way off, but I hope to score many more goals to get closer to his numbers."
First goal for Real Madrid
"One of the happiest days of my life because I scored my first goal in this shirt. It was a very nice moment. Today I'm much calmer, I'm more patient when it comes to getting to goal and I can score goals with my right foot, my left foot and in all kinds of ways. I'm developing my game thanks to my teammates, who always help me and make it easier to score goals."
Which of your goals would you choose?
"The most impressive goal I scored was against Girona. I don't shoot so many times from outside the box and this one was from a long way out. I'll go with that one."
Partnership with Benzema
“I understand the game better now. I can play on either flank, I understand when is the perfect time to dribble, pass or shoot. Karim helped me a lot. Since then I shoot less, but I score a lot more goals. Benzema has scored 354 and I've been able to be part of the duo. I helped him, but he helped me a lot on the pitch to score more goals and give more assists. He is a legend of this club. He writes to me a lot and tells me I have to score a lot more goals and follow his path.”
The Decimocuarta
“It was my first final. I wanted to win it and go down in club history. We had a lot of comebacks that season and that goal was very important, not only for me but also for the players, the fans and the coaching staff."
Scoring in both Champions League finals he has played in
“It's incredible and you can't imagine it. I'm here to score goals and add to the history of this club. I hope I keep scoring in more finals, especially in the Champions League. We always have to win it and we are working hard to do it again.”
Raúl
“Raúl has scored 323 goals, he is our third-highest scorer and is a legend of the club and of Spain. He has had a great career at Real Madrid. Because he's here, he's always watching us and he talks to me about what I can improve. Hopefully I can score more goals and get closer to his legend, which is incredible.”
His goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium
“It was a very important goal. After going into the dressing room, we came back out at our best. That goal calmed us down and allowed us to play better. I picked the ball up in midfield and I was able to score. Ancelotti always tells me that I have to score with just two touches, so I have to listen to him.”
A goal-scoring style
“My goals from the left are very similar and that's my trademark. Beating defenders then reaching the box and shooting. I've learned to do this here because before I wasn't as strong and I was very young. Today I can understand the game better and scoring these goals is amazing. They're important because they'll go down in history.”
Di Stéfano
“Di Stéfano has 308 goals. I haven't been able to see them, but I have seen videos of him. He has a phrase that is very important for us. It's in the Bernabéu and it says that no one player is as good as the collective. When we see this phrase before going out onto the pitch, it gives us a lot of strength to go out and win for the shirt, which is the most important thing”.
The president's affection
“The president has always trusted me since I was a kid and before anybody knew me. He has always said that I'll play for Madrid forever. This was incredible because when you are far away you don't think that you can get to the best club in the world. He is the president with the most titles and it is an honour for me and my family.”
Ronaldo
“He has scored 104 goals. He was at my presentation, he helped me a lot when I came to Madrid and we are always together. He gives me a lot of advice on how I can improve in front of goal or dribble better. If you ask other players who have played with him they will tell you he was the best they have ever seen. He is a legend of this club, of my country and he has won so many titles and scored so many goals. That's why he is O Fenómeno (The Phenomenon).”
Other club legends
“Amancio, Pirri and Butragueño have given me, and continue to give me, a lot of advice on how to improve and get to where I am. I hope I can continue to improve and follow in their footsteps because they defined an era at the club”.