Vinicius Junior has said he wants to continue playing for Real Madrid his “whole life”— but added neither he nor the club are “in a rush” to sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 2027.In an interview with journalist Casimiro Miguel, the 25-year-old underlined that Madrid is the club of dreams, while sharing his pride that he has been trusted as one of the team’s captains at such a young age.“I’ve never imagined myself away from Real Madrid,” Vinicius Jr said. “I make the most of every moment that I am here because it is the club of my dreams.“I enjoy every moment, I want to continue playing here my whole life, but I am also not in a rush to renew my contract.“We have an agreement until 2027, so until then we have a lot to talk about with Real Madrid, and Real Madrid with us. The club is calm about it, I’m calm, the president trusts me and I trust him. That’s all there is to it.”Vinicius Jr has just completed his eighth season at Madrid, contributing 22 goals and 10 assists across all competitions as the club finished second in La Liga, eight points behind rivals Barcelona.It marked a second successive season for the Spanish capital club without a major trophy.The Brazil international, as reported by The Athletic in November, told club president Florentino Perez that he would not renew his contract while former head coach Xabi Alonso was in charge.Vinicius had a better connection with Alonso’s successor Alvaro Arbeloa in the dugout, but Madrid will appoint a new head coach this summer.Earlier this month, The Athletic reported Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was to meet Perez with an expectation he will complete a deal to become Madrid’s new head coach.Despite his comments, Vinicius Jr did also suggest that he will return to his boyhood club, Flamengo, before he retires.“I’ll be back,” the forward added. “Not now, but I also don’t want to be too old. I miss Flamengo, so let’s see. Maybe in three or four years, but not yet.”Vinicius Jr will take centre stage for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup this summer under former Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti.May 27, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms