Vinicius Junior planning Flamengo return before end of career

The Brazilian came through the youth system at Flamengo, spending 12 years in their academy before making his first-team debut in May 2017.

Vinicius scored 10 goals and registered four assists in 49 appearances for the Rio de Janeiro outfit before making the move to Real Madrid, officially joining the club in the summer of 2018.

The forward has scored 62 goals and registered 65 assists in 232 outings for Los Blancos in all competitions, cementing his spot as one of the best forwards in world football.

Vinicius has won two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, two Spanish Super Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and two Club World Cups during a highly-successful period at Bernabeu.

The Brazil international is on the verge of penning a new long-term deal with Real Madrid, which is likely to include a hefty pay rise to reflect his importance to the side.

However, Vinicius, who turned 23 over the summer, has said that he is planning to return to Flamengo before the end of his career, having made a promise to his father.

"I think I could stay here my whole career, but the club of my life is Flamengo. I promised my father I would go back one day. I have to keep this promise," Vinicius told France Football.

"I love life here in general, and it's going well for my family too. When my loved ones walk around, they are recognised and they wish us nothing but happiness.

"Little by little, I discovered this new life, new emotions, a fervour. Madrid is unique. Everyone around the world tells me about this club. And apart from that, I like it. I'm quite a homebody but we do a lot of activities."

Reports have suggested that Vinicius's new deal will run until 2027 and include a release clause of €1bn (£870m), and he said earlier this month it was "an honour" to play for the club.

"It is always an honour to play here at Real Madrid, with these fans and the love they have for me. I am very happy to play here and I want to continue playing here at Real Madrid all my life," he told reporters.

Vinicius has scored three goals and registered one assist in seven appearances for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign.

The South American missed four matches earlier this season due to a muscular issue before making his return off the bench against Las Palmas at the end of September.