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Flamengo's Vinicius Junior scores 1st professional goal after €45M agreement

Ricardo Moraes / Reuters

Vinicius Junior embodies the state of South American football. The Brazilian wonderkid is only 17 years old, but Real Madrid was willing to pay an absolute fortune - €45 million to be specific - less than two weeks after he had made his professional debut at Flamengo.

There's a long way to go before Vinicius Junior's price tag is justified, but, on Wednesday night, the braces-wearing teenager gave Real Madrid's supporters a reason to smile, scoring his first professional goal as Flamengo ripped apart CD Palestino SADP in the Copa Sudamericana's second stage. The Mengao exited the pitch with a 5-0 victory in the second leg and a 10-2 win on aggregate, and it was the youngster who tallied the Brazilian club's final goal.

"Everyone had been waiting for this goal, and everyone is now very happy," Vinicius Junior said, according to ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan. "My teammates give me confidence that it would come today. They are always helping me and giving me confidence. I am happy for scoring this historic goal in my life. Nobody ever pressured me here at Flamengo. They always give me strength and said it would come in time."

Vinicius Junior also dedicated the goal to Ze Ricardo, the manager who gave the youngster his professional debut and who was sacked following a string of poor results.

"I wish all the best to the professor Ze Ricardo, who launched me as a professional. This goal is dedicated to him," he said.

The day after the game, Vinicius Junior took to Twitter, writing: "Thank you for everything my God!! Let it be the first of many! I hear 'My son, your time has come to shine' ... Unforgettable moment!!"

According to Globo Esporte, Real Madrid paid two-thirds of the €45 million up front, while the remaining third will be paid once Vinicius Junior plays in Spain. Los Blancos will acquire his federative rights in July 2018, and he will remain at Flamengo until July 2019, although he will be able to play for the Spanish club before then if both sides agree to it.

At the Sudamericano Sub 17, Vinicius Junior introduced himself to the world by scoring seven goals and was named the tournament's best player as Brazil won the competition for a record 12th time.

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