Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has admitted he texted Jude Bellingham to convince him to join the club this summer, though this is not a tactic he is using with Kylian Mbappe.
Bellingham was a sought-after prospect even during his youth days at boyhood club Birmingham City, notably turning down the chance to meet with Manchester United as a 16-year-old.
Instead, he took his talents to Borussia Dortmund in 2020 and developed into one of the world's leading midfielders. He was courted by Liverpool and Manchester City throughout the 2022/23 season, but opted to sign for Real Madrid instead.
Bellingham has since taken Spain by storm and has scored ten goals in his opening ten games for Los Blancos, including a remarkable series of late winners.
In a wide-ranging interview with L'Equipe and France Football, Vinicius revealed his role in persuading Bellingham to sign for Real Madrid.
"We are really happy that he signed. I had been sending him messages for months! I said: 'This is the best team in the world'. I knew other teams wanted him," Vinicius said.
"Juni [Calafat, Real Madrid scout] has become a friend and he knows that if I can give a little help, I will. I did the same with Cama [Eduardo Camavinga]. I was sending him messages, he came, and he won the Champions League. Let's hope it's the same for Jude.
"I didn't know him personally but I really wanted him to join us. I saw him play, and as I want to play with the best, it was obvious. Jude is one of the best in the world and the whole team loves him. He scores goals, he is happy. He chose the best club."
Vinicius was then asked if he has been texting long-term Real Madrid target Mbappe, who is widely expected to finally make the move to the Spanish capital when his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires next summer.
"No, it's different! Kylian has his situation. Jude, I knew he could move this summer. And it’s perfect that it happened like that. But, here, everyone wants to play with Kylian. I hope it will happen one day. He is one of the best players, perhaps the best of all today. He has a level...of his own!" Vinicius added.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Vinicius Junior reveals role in Kylian Mbappe talks and Jude Bellingham transfer.