Jose Mourinho persuaded Vinicius Jr to stay at Real Madrid, telling him leaving “wasn’t worth it.”
The 26-year-old had entered the final year of his Bernabeu contract, which would have allowed him to depart on a free next summer.
Premier League champions Arsenal monitored the situation as talks continued, but earlier this month Vinicius committed to Real by signing a six-year deal.
Mourinho, 63, whose return for a second spell in charge was confirmed in June, explained his role in convincing the Brazil international to remain in Madrid.
Speaking on El Chiringuito, Mourinho said Vinicius has fallen in love with Real Madrid. He told the winger you only truly understand what Madrid is when you leave it, urging him not to go.
He added that the team’s progress and the work they’ve done together have given Vinicius a powerful sense of belief.
Last season, while managing Benfica, Mourinho faced Real three times in the Champions League.
In the first leg of their knockout play-off, Real players claimed Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Vinicius, leading to an eight-minute stoppage.
Prestianni denied the allegation, and Mourinho defended his player.
UEFA later issued Prestianni a three-match ban, with a further three suspended, for homophobic conduct.
Mourinho reflected on the incident and said Vinicius can count on his support.
“If Prestianni is my player, I stand with him against anyone,” he said, adding that Vinicius now knows he can look him in the eye and trust he’ll be on his side.