Vinicius Jr's private response to Man City fans' brutal banner at Champions League clash Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior was 'even more motivated' ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City after a banner mocking him emerged online.
On Tuesday, City host Real Madrid in a Champions League play-off first leg, as both teams who underperformed in the league phase will battle it out for a place in the last 16.
Vinicius, 24, was the favourite to win last year's Ballon d'Or but the award went to City midfielder Rodri in a surprise decision.
The snub angered Real Madrid chiefs so much that they didn't send a single delegate to the ceremony in Paris, despite manager Carlo Ancelotti winning Coach of the Year and many of their other players being on the Ballon d'Or shortlist.
The Ballon d'Or controversy has been among the main talking points ahead of Tuesday's match, with Ancelotti going on record to double down on Real Madrid's decision to boycott the October ceremony.
