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Vinícius Jr. on the future of Real Madrid: Wants to stay “forever”.

Vinícius Jr. on the future of Real Madrid: Wants to stay “forever”.

Vinícius Júnior has declared that he wants to stay at Real Madrid “forever” amid continued reports linking him with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

The Brazilian striker, who is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or on October 28, has attracted strong interest from Saudi clubs.

Sources told ESPN in August that Vinícius would wait until the end of this season before deciding on a move away from Madrid.

However, after scoring a second-half hat-trick in Madrid's 5-2 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, he made it clear his desire to stay at the club if possible.

“I’m still only 24,” Vinícius said. “I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as I can to this team that has given me everything since I arrived here.”

The hat-trick against Dortmund was his first in the Champions League, although Vinícius played down his heroics.

“(Real Madrid coach Carlo) Ancelotti told me to keep going so I can always do more,” he said. “But we have to improve and play like this from the start, otherwise the coach won’t stand it.”

“This is our competition and we want to win it again.”

Vinícius scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions for LaLiga champions Madrid last season, including his side's second goal as they won the Champions League final against Dortmund in June.

Lucas Vázquez, who captained Madrid on Tuesday, praised Vinícius' recent performance.

“Vini Jr. had an incredible second half,” Vázquez said. “It's about showing the kids how football should be played, with that intensity and desire to score goals. He showed once again that he is the most decisive player in the world, he had an incredible second half.”

Madrid director Emilio Butragueño applauded Vinícius and compared him to Brazilian legend Pelé.

When asked about Vinicius' third goal against Dortmund, the former Spain striker said: “It reminded me of Pelé. It's a great goal. The way he ran, the way he faked dribbling past the defender. A great goal. For those of us who love football, we justify coming here to the Bernabéu (stadium) and that a player can offer a game that evokes many emotions, including admiration.”

Meanwhile, Vinícius is looking forward to LaLiga classic against Barcelona on Saturday.

Madrid are three points behind leaders Barça.

“We give everything,” said Vinícius. “It's on home soil with our fans. As always, we will fight for everything this season.”

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