MUMBAI: Brazilian sensation Vinicius Jose Paixaio de Oliviera Junior has been forced by his current club Flamengo to opt out of travelling to India for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup, which kicks off on October 6.
“It is confirmed Vinicius Junior will not travel to India for the U-17 World Cup,” Gregório Fernandes, the Brazilian team's media officer confirmed on Saturday regarding the status of the most exciting name on the roster among all the teams participating in the tournament.
As for the reasons why, Globo Esporte quotes Flamengo manager Reinaldo Rueda as having said at a media conference: “We want the best for Vinicius Junior. He is an important player for the team and knows that the national team have good players, so he will stay with us.”
His reasoning to retain the teenager goes against Brazil U-17 chief coach Carlos Amadeu’s confidence in his captain.
The latter had welcomed Vinicius’ late arrival, and in response to a query about other forwards combining with the skipper said, “They have been playing together since the U-15 days. There will be competition for team selection when Vinicius comes. I hope the others look at it in a positive way.”
The 17-year-old forward, who plays for Flamengo and has been signed by Real Madrid for €45 million, was earlier slated to land here on Saturday. However, according to ESPN, the Brazilian’s current club decided not to release him for international duty after their loss in Copa do Brasil final to Cruzeiro on Thursday.
The Brazilian, who has already signed a contract with UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid, helped his side win the Under-17 South American Championship scoring seven goals and was also named as the tournament’s best player.
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