Reece James and Dominik Szoboszlai react to Vini Jr’s farewell message
Chelsea star Reece James and Liverpool ace Dominik Szoboszlai have reacted to an emotional Real Madrid message from Vinicius Junior.
The Brazil international has scored 11 goals and created seven assists in La Liga this season, but Madrid have been beaten to the Spanish top-flight title by fierce rivals Barcelona.
Los Blancos have also failed to retain their Champions League crown, and lost to Barca in the Copa Del Rey final last month.
But Madrid have already put the building blocks in place for greater success next season, having announced the signing of sought-after Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
James and Szoboszlai react as Vinicius bids farewell to Carlo Ancelotti
While the Spanish giants are yet to welcome Huijsen and Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, perhaps the most defining event of their summer is that Carlo Ancelotti is leaving to join Brazil.
| Vinicius Junior stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 51 |
| Goals | 21 |
| Assists | 14 |
Vinicius wrote an emotional farewell to the Italian via Instagram on Friday, 23 May: “Open letter to Carlos Ancelotti: Thank you, mister. Therefore. You are the best. Since your arrival in Madrid has changed my life as a player and a person.
“You gave me confidence, you made me grow, and you were by my side every moment, on and off the field. We won two Champions Leagues, two leagues, and many other titles… but what I value most is the way he treated me, the humility, and the way you’ve handled all these years. We build beyond football.
“You always stood up for me and protected me when I needed it the most. It’s hard to say goodbye today Madrid’s locker room will miss you. I’m going to miss you. But at the same time, I’m glad to know that we already have a date for the reunion: now, wearing the shirt of the Brazilian national team together.
“It’s destiny. Waiting for you in Brazil. With love, Vini Jr.”
Both James and Szboszlai liked the post.
Chelsea handed Morgan Rogers setback by Aston Villa
While James has liked Vinicius’ latest Instagram post, Chelsea have their sights set firmly on securing Champions League football ahead of next season.
To achieve that goal, the West London club must defeat fellow top-five hopefuls Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, 25 May.
If the Blues get their hands on a Champions League spot, it will put Enzo Maresca in a significantly better position to recruit well over the summer transfer window.
However, while Chelsea hold an interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, the West Midlands side are not considering selling him ahead of next season.
The England international has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League this term, while he has also performed well in the Champions League.
The fact that Rogers’ services are likely unavailable this summer undoubtedly comes as a blow to Chelsea, where he could be a real asset.