Vinícius Junior gives all the credit for his growth into one of the world's best players to Carlo Ancelotti. Just four days away from potentially winning his second Champions League with Real Madrid, he acknowledged that the Italian coach "has done everything" for him in his development.

"He’s done everything for me. He’s always given me confidence, scolded me when needed, and we've developed a really good relationship. He cares about me as much as I care about him," he said in an interview with UEFA.

"He’s changed me as a player, not just on the field, but in how I think about training and development. He always says my humility is my greatest virtue because I always listen to others. When I score a goal in a game, I always want my teammates to score too, so we’re in a better position. I'm not driven by vanity, even though I play with the best players, the big stars. Every day he teaches me more, both on and off the field," he added.

Vinícius emphasizes that his constant desire to improve is key to his ongoing progress: "I've always had it, but after getting here with Real Madrid legends who never stop improving in every training session and always want to win, it started rubbing off on me."

The Brazilian forward admits he looks up to players in the locker room with more UEFA Champions League titles, like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, and the influence Karim Benzema had on him.

"Today, I do everything possible to improve. I learn a lot from all the more experienced players on the team because they've been through much more than I have. I always tell them I'd rather listen than talk because it’s better for my development," said the Brazilian.

"In the very near future, I can do for others what these players, like Luka, Toni, or Karim when he was here, have done for me. They passed on their calmness and experience to me, and I can pass it on to the younger players coming into the team," he added, eager to take on a leadership role in the Madrid locker room.

Happy to have scored in Real Madrid’s last Champions League final, when they won the title in Paris against Liverpool with his goal, the Brazilian is hungry for much more.

"I'm happy to have scored in the 2022 final, but I want much more. We always have to focus on the next game, but after this final, I want to win another and another. We need to be ready and prepare really well for such an important moment that will cap off a brilliant season," he concluded.