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UCL FINAL: Vinicius eyes more Real success, inspired by Pele, LeBron, Ronaldo

 

 

REAL Madrid star Vinicius Jr is driven by the desire to win another continental title as his side face Borussia Dortmund in tomorrow night’s UEFA Champions League final in London.

The Brazil forward says he takes inspiration from serial winners across different sports like football legend Pele and basketball superstar LeBron James as the 23-year-old chases his second Champions League winner’s medal.

Real Madrid have won 14 UEFA Champions League titles, much more than any other club, and Vinicius played a key role in their last triumph two years ago. He insists that he and the club are insatiable for success.

“It’s very exciting to represent this club, one that is driven by this competition,” the skillful forward told UEFA.com on the eve of the Wembley showdown.

“I’m happy to be able to get on the pitch wearing this shirt, have great results and to have scored in the 2022 final, but I want much more.

“Obviously we need to think about the next final, always focus on the next game. But after this final, I want to win another one, and another. We must be ready for this game, we must prepare ourselves very well for such an important moment that will crown a brilliant season.”

Apart from Pele and LeBron James, Vinicius says he is inspired by an admirable list of sporting greats.

“There’s Pelé, Kobe [Bryant], Ronaldo [Nazário], [Michael] Jordan, LeBron [James] and Cristiano [Ronaldo]. I took a bit from every generation of my favourite sports. Pelé is our king,” he noted.

“Ronaldo was a star for Brazil and played for Real Madrid as well. He teaches me a great deal and calls me whenever he can to give me some tips. Ever since he told me his best ability was in one-on-ones with the keeper, I started to think about it and improved a lot after that conversation I had with him. Now, every time I have a one-on-one, I’m as calm as I can be.”

When asked about the influence of Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s influence on his rise, Vinicius had only praise for the legendary Italian.

“He’s done everything for me. He’s always given me confidence, told me off when I needed it, and we’ve developed a very good relationship. He cares about me as much as I care about him,” he said.

“He’s changed me as a player, not on the pitch, but in the way I think about training and development. He always says that my humility is my biggest virtue because I always listen to the others.

“Whenever I score a goal in a match, I always want my team-mates to score too, so they can be in a better position. I’m not driven by vanity, for playing with the best players, the big stars. Every day he teaches me more and more on and off the pitch.”

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