{
  "id": 15179842,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T09:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "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 on Saturday, stating that if he were winger Vinicius Junior, he would have left the club during the summer transfer window. Vinicius was sent off for hair pulling during Madrid's win against Villarreal last weekend and has received racial abuse from fans since joining Madrid in 2018. The 26-year-old Brazilian has a contract with Real Madrid until 2032, but Mourinho believes he would have sought an exit to a league or country with more respect for his talents. Despite the ban, Mourinho praised Vinicius for maintaining his positive attitude and strong relationship with the club. The Real Madrid coach remains optimistic about the team's prospects, particularly in the Champions League, where they face Barcelona, currently leading the table.",
  "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-15178313",
        "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."
}