Interview MARCA speak to the 'parents' of the starlet

Vinicius Junior has set back Real Madrid nearly 50 million euros and is not even scheduled to join up with the squad until 2019, but those who know him well believe he could be a steal, nonetheless.

Ulysses and Tatiana, the 16-year-old's 'parents', welcomed the player into their home when he was learning his trade at Flamengo's academy and have aided him in becoming the young talent he is now.

How did your lives change? You were alone and suddenly a great son appeared...

Ulysses: He is very calm. Sometimes it seemed like he was not even home. He played video games and was on his mobile phone.

Is it true that he played with Barcelona in video games?

U: He played with many teams.

At that time what did you say about his future in football?

U: Vini does not talk much, he's very quiet, very reserved, but what was clear was that he wanted to play in the professional team of Flamengo and win titles. All children dream of playing in a big team in Europe, but their main concern has always been Flamengo. So much that it is his intention until today, was not to leave here without gaining something.

He likes to go step by step. Did you imagine that he could leave Brazil so young?

U: If someone told me three years ago that at 16 he would sign for Madrid, I would have laughed in their face. I could have imagined that some big club in Europe would be interested in him at 18 or 19, but not at 16.

There are people who say that those who chose Real Madrid were the representatives and not him...

U: Lie. The one who spoke to him at the time of making the decision was me. I called him and said, 'You have to decide.' And his answer was: "Hala Madrid!" I swear to God, for my happiness.

You traveled to Madrid before deciding, right?

U: Yes.

And to Barcelona?

U: We also did, yes.

How do you remember those trips?

U: They were very fast. The structure of Madrid is impressive. Flamengo is at least 50 years behind. Structure, accommodation, training centre, stadium ... It is another level. Incomparable.

Did you meet the coaches and players of Real?

U: After the Real Madrid match we talked to Casemiro and greeted Zidane.

Tatiana: With Casemiro we talked a lot. He said: 'Bring the boy here we will help him.'

From what you say, it seems that he has a winning mentality. Have you always been so disciplined?

U: Yes. He never protested what we asked him, he always replied: 'Okay'. Football was always his life. From the age of four or five, he said that he would be a professional.

At that time did he miss his parents, his closest environment?

U: Yes. He missed his parents, his brother. He is very close to his little brother.

T: He only stayed with us from Monday to Friday, at the weekends he would go home to see everyone.

To see the family and to play in the 'Escolinha', right? Even on his free days he kept playing.

U: Yes, he is addicted to playing. He cannot stand being home for a long time without touching a ball.

Vinicius is at a complicated age. Adolescence, girls, parties ... How is that stage going?

U: He is very quiet, very homey.

T: Occasionally he goes out but he already understands that the life of sportsman is reserved and does not match with night, with drink. Besides, he's never liked that. He knows that we have to give up things. Vinicius does not drink alcohol, only drinks Coca Cola. He is very aware of what he has to do to become the best in the world.

Ulysses, you have become like his second father. Are you one of the people who know him best?

U: Better uncle, I'm more like an uncle to him.

What are his tastes? What does he like to eat?

T: When he lived with us there were two meals he adored: stroganoff and lasagna.

U: Now he's on a diet. Now he works with a nutritionist thinking about preparing to be the best in the world that is what he wants.

Does he already talk about being the best in the world?

U: Playing in the biggest club in Brazil, going to the biggest team in the world, it is obvious that your goal is to be the best.

Is the family afraid that after Real has invested so much something goes wrong? Do you feel that responsibility?

U: No, it is a liability but the biggest risk is the club. We recognize Madrid's bet. It's crazy outside the bosses but if I had not done it, it would have been done by others.

With your hand on your heart, do you think it's worth the investment?

U: Yes, in three years they will think: 'We paid little'. For example, Neymar. How much is he worth today? At least 200 million euros.