Flamengo's Rueda: Vinicius Junior 'very humble' ahead of Real Madrid move

Real Madrid was subjected to a world of criticism upon reaching an agreement with Flamengo for the federative rights of Vinicius Junior, the next superstar off Brazil's production line. Los Blancos were willing to pay up to €45 million for a teenager whose professional debut came less than two weeks earlier, and two-thirds of the exorbitant price was reportedly paid up front.

But Reinaldo Rueda, Flamengo's manager, believes Real Madrid made a sound investment.

In conversation with Cadena Ser's Play Futbol, Rueda said Vinicius Junior, who will remain at Flamengo until July 2019, is reacting well to superstardom and praised his attitude ahead of moving to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Vinicius has surprised me with his level-headedness during all we have seen in these two years since his explosion with the national team," Rueda declared, as transcribed as ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan. "He is still 17 and he has great technical quality, physical strength and a great goal-scoring vocation which will get stronger.

"The most impressive is that despite his move to Real Madrid, his behaviour is still excellent. He shows a lot of respect and obedience and is very receptive (to instructions). He does not cause any problems, remains very humble and talkative with his teammates. He is on a very good path, and we hope that he can bring us a lot before he leaves for Europe."

Vinicius Junior scored his first professional goal in Flamengo's 5-0 victory over CD Palestino SADP in the Copa Sudamericana's second stage, and nine days later, tallied both goals in the Mengao's 2-0 win versus Atletico Goianiense in the Brasileirao. He was subsequently called up to Brazil's squad for the Under-17 World Cup in India.