Jose Mourinho has revealed that he played a role in persuading Vinicius Jr to remain at Real Madrid after the Brazilian winger considered leaving the Spanish giants.

Vinicius, 26, was entering the final year of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, leaving him free to negotiate a move away from the club at the end of the season.

Arsenal were reportedly among the clubs monitoring his situation as negotiations over a new deal continued.

However, the Brazil international eventually ended the uncertainty earlier this month after agreeing to a new six-year contract with Real Madrid.

Mourinho, who returned to the Madrid club for a second spell in June, said he urged Vinicius not to leave, arguing that the player would only fully appreciate the significance of Real Madrid after experiencing life away from the club.

Speaking on the Spanish television programme El Chiringuito, Mourinho said he told Vinicius: “Vini, where do you want to go? You’ve only been in Brazil, and you only know Real Madrid. You only understand Real Madrid when you leave. When you leave, that’s when you realise what Real Madrid is. Don’t leave. It’s not worth it.”

According to Mourinho, Vinicius' decision to stay was also influenced by the progress he had seen within the team and the working environment at the club.

“I think what he has felt in terms of the group’s growth, the way we’ve been working and developing, has given him a very important feeling,” he added.

Mourinho addresses Vinicius controversy

Mourinho also revisited an incident involving Vinicius during Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Benfica last season.

The match was temporarily stopped for about eight minutes after Real players accused Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing Vinicius.

Prestianni denied the allegation, while Mourinho, who was then in charge of Benfica, defended his player and questioned some of Vinicius' actions, including his celebrations.

The comments attracted criticism, with some accusing Mourinho of appearing to dismiss the racism allegations.

Vinicius subsequently described Mourinho's remarks as “repulsive.”

UEFA later suspended Prestianni for three matches, with another three suspended, after finding him responsible for homophobic conduct.

Mourinho has now sought to clarify his position, insisting that Vinicius can count on his support.

“Prestianni was my player. That’s it. There’s no debate. If Prestianni is my player, 20 players can come at me, and I’m still with Prestianni. End of story,” he said.

“I think Vini now knows what side I am on and knows he can look me in the eye and rely on me to be on his side.”

Mourinho explains Rodri doubts

Mourinho also spoke about Real Madrid’s failed attempt to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

The Spanish midfielder, who was approaching the final year of his contract at City, had been linked with a return to Spain, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly interested.

Rodri ultimately joined Barcelona in a £65 million deal.

Mourinho said discussions had taken place between Real Madrid and the player, but Rodri's hesitation raised concerns within the Madrid camp.

“We talked a couple of times, and Real Madrid made him a good offer. Rodri had doubts, and his doubts made me doubtful,” Mourinho said.

Although he praised Rodri as an exceptional player and said the midfielder conducted himself properly throughout the negotiations, Mourinho stressed that players who join Real Madrid must be completely convinced about the move.

“He is a remarkable player, and he behaved correctly at all times with us, but the scale of Real Madrid is that you can’t have players here who think twice about coming,” he added.