Perez says he won't block Vinicius exit amid stalled contract talks

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has said he will not stand in the player's way if Vinicius Jr decides to leave, as negotiations over a long-term contract continue to drag on. "There is time [to sign an extension]. I would love for him to stay for the rest of his life.

He is deeply identified with the club. You know who doesn’t like him? People who aren’t Real Madrid fans. If he doesn’t want to be at Madrid and wants to sign with someone else, he will be free to do so. I’m not going to force him into anything. Money will not be the most important factor - it never has been." The 25-year-old has said he is "in no rush" to commit and that there is "a lot to discuss" with the club, effectively putting the ball in Real's court over salary and status.

Despite the stalemate, relations remain cordial and the club still views the former Flamengo prodigy as a pillar of their sporting project; the arrival of high-profile names has shifted the internal financial hierarchy and prompted careful negotiation.

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