The Real Madrid star sported two different pairs of boots in Los Blancos' win against Valencia in LaLiga.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has seemingly taken matters into his hands following his fallout with sportswear giants Nike.
The 22-year-old Brazilian made his 200th appearance for Los Blancos in their win against Valencia in LaLiga on Thursday night.
However, the electric winger was spotted wearing a totally black-coloured boots in the first half of the encounter and then changed to white and yellow boots in the second half which he scored.
Both shoes didn’t have the brand Nike on them, which could suggest the end of the relationship between Vinicius and the American sportswear giants.
However, according to The Athletic, the agreement between Vinicius and Nike did not include a termination clause, and the two parties have subsequently struggled to come to a solution.
Why does Vinicius want to leave Nike?
According to reports, the Brazil international feels he’s the victim of ‘unfair treatment’ from Nike, who have sponsored the 22-year-old since he was 13.
The world-class winger doesn’t feel the terms of his extension were reflective of his rising status and believes his contract is outdated.
Vinicius wasn’t also included in Real Madrid’s new kit promo or any commercials ahead of the Qatar World Cup, despite being one of the high profile players at the tournament, with reports saying the Brazilian was disappointed having not featured.
He made his feelings clear by representing his Brazil in Qatar last December sporting an old model of boots instead of the latest Mercurial XV pair worn by Nike’s other leading stars.
According to a report by AS, fellow sportswear giants Puma have already designed a strategic plan to have him signed.
Vinicius Jnr Form & Goals 2023
The 22-year-old has been impressive since the start of the new season for Los Blancos, although, in recent weeks, his output has waned.
However, the Brazil winger has managed to find the net 7 times in 19 appearances in LaLiga while registering three assists.
He also scored Madrid’s second goal in their 2-0 win against Valencia on Thursday, February 2, before finding himself on the receiving end of a brutal tackle by former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista, who was deservedly shown a straight red card.
Vini is expected to return to action for the defending champions on Sunday, February 5, when they travel to play 10th-placed Mallorca as they hope to pile pressure on league leaders Barcelona who host Sevilla six hours later.