I always think about the teams first and then me – Vinicius Jr. focused on UCL amid Ballon d’Or talks

Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr. said he is focused on winning the UEFA Champions League with the club and then playing for Brazil in the Copa America amid speculations that he could win the Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian has been in terrific form but said it is always about the team first and his personal accolades and records take a backseat.

The forward has played a key role in taking the Los Blancos to glory in the La Liga, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in 24 matches he has played. Furthermore, Vinicius has scored five goals and four assists in the nine games he has played in the UCL and thus he has played a crucial role in his team’s final run so far.

Vinicius said as quoted by ESPN, “Everyone talks about the Ballon d’Or but I’m very calm. I want to win another Champions League with this team.

“I can do great things this season and then I have to go with Brazil [for the Copa América]. I always think about the teams first and then me.

“We were able to place the best team in the world in another final. We have 25 stars in the team, all of us have worked hard to achieve our aim which is to go to London [for the Champions League final] and to win LaLiga. We have won LaLiga, we are going to London.”

Madrid will take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1 at London’s Wembley stadium.

“I came here [to Madrid] when I was young, 18,” he said. “I was criticised a lot and that made me work a lot more in order to be ready when the time came…I train every day to improve…I’m now here, in another final.

“I’ve never worked in a group that is as united as ours is this season. This group works a lot.”

Vinícius also showered praise on Spanish forward Joselu, who scored two late goals against Bayern Munich in the second-leg semifinal of the Champions League.

“[Against Bayern on Wednesday] Joselu came on in the 81st minute and scored two goals,” he said. “This is a reward for Joselu. He has always worked to do the best for the team and never complained when he didn’t play. This proves what our group is.”

Real Madrid will next take on Granada on Saturday.