{
  "id": 15178313,
  "title": "‘I’d have left Real Madrid if I were Vinicius,’ says Mourinho",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/id-have-left-real-madrid-if-i-were-vinicius-says-mourinho-15178313",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T09:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/17/i-d-have-left-real-madrid-if-i-were-vinicius-says-mourinho"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho expressed regret that he cannot replace winger Vinicius Junior, stating that he would have left the club if he were the player. Vinicius was sent off during Madrid's win against Villarreal last weekend for hair-pulling, resulting in a four-match ban and missing the upcoming Clasico against Barcelona on October 25th. The 26-year-old Brazilian has faced racial abuse from fans and opposition supporters since joining Real Madrid in 2018. Mourinho praised the young player, describing him as \"a fantastic boy\" and a \"tremendous credit\" for maintaining his positivity. Despite the ban, Vinicius signed a new contract with the club until 2032. However, there are concerns over whether the team can maintain balance and effectiveness with Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham all on the field simultaneously. Mourinho emphasized that Vinicius' love for the club and the city, along with his belief that things can always improve, helps him remain resilient.",
  "summary": "The Brazilian has been regularly targeted by opposition fans and racially abused on many occasions since joining Madrid in 2018.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "‘I’d have left Real Madrid if I were Vinicius,’ says Mourinho",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/id-have-left-real-madrid-if-i-were-vinicius-says-mourinho-15179842",
        "published": "2026-10-17T09:42:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "I’d have left Real Madrid if I were Vinicius, says Mourinho",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/id-have-left-real-madrid-if-i-were-vinicius-says-mourinho",
        "published": "2026-10-17T10:38:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}