Vinicius Junior says he has been told to “stand by” for a call-up to the Brazil side for the World Cup by former Barcelona star Ronaldinho.
The 17-year-old, who joins Real Madrid in July, also said he talks to countrymen Marcelo and Casemiro and has spent time getting to know Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real agreed a deal worth over £30m with Brazilian side Flamengo for Vinicius last year, and the forward will move to Spain when he turns 18 this summer.
Despite never playing above Brazil’s U17 side, Vinicius has half an eye on the World Cup in Russia this summer.
Former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker Ronaldo went to the 1994 World Cup with Brazil when he was just 17, and another former Selecao great believes Vinicius could emulate that feat.
Discussing Ronaldinho with Globoesporte.com, Vinicius said: “We met not long ago and he told me that they often take a younger player so he can get close to the others. He told me to stand by.”
Vinicius also discussed his move to Real Madrid, saying: “I talk from time to time to [fellow Brazilian players at Madrid] Casemiro and Marcelo.
“I went to Madrid at the end of last year and I got to know more players, like Cristiano Ronaldo.
“It’s a fantastic club, but everything in its good time. For now, I am focused on Flamengo.”
Vinicius made headlines last month when Neymar sprung to his defence following the youngster’s treatment of rival fans.
He scored for Flamengo against rivals Botafogo and celebrated by rubbing his eye in front of their fans, as if to suggest they were crying.
After receiving criticism for the celebration, Neymar defended him, saying “football becomes boring” if you cannot make fun of opponents.
Skysports
