Don't be like Neymar — Ex-Brazil star warns Vinicius about Real Madrid dispute

Former Tottenham midfielder Sandro has warned Vinicius to stay at Real Madrid, amid rumours that the Brazil international could leave the club amid contractual disputes and conflict with Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso. 

Sandro, who recorded 17 caps for the Brazil national team, used Neymar's exit from Barcelona as a cautionary tale, as he pleaded with Vinicius to remain at the Spanish capital. 

Speaking in a recent interview, the 36-year-old weighed in on Vinicius’s disagreement with Alonso before offering his compatriot career advice. 

“Will Vinicius Junior or Xabi Alonso need to leave Real Madrid? No, I think they can both stay and go on a good run of results together,” he said, per Goal.

“I didn’t agree with what Vinicius did, and then Alonso was taking him out, but this is normal. Vinicius just needs to focus on Real Madrid. Do not do what Neymar did at Barcelona and leave. Don’t do it, please!

“In Brazil, we say you need to try and stay tranquil. Calm down. Vinicius has this face on him but this can just be a moment. It’s nothing. It’s not a problem. Being an ex-footballer now, I have to give some advice. You have to breathe before you look to leave.

“I left Tottenham. I thought I wanted to leave because I was fighting the coaches and I rushed things, but man I loved it at Tottenham. Why did I leave? I had a three-year contract. Why was I in such a rush? Vinicius please take a breath.

“This is so important in life as well but especially for footballers, we have so many people around us telling the player, 'You should leave; the coach doesn't respect you,' but come on."