Former Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui insists he had plans to introduce Vinicius Junior to the first team this season.

While Lopetegui was in charge at Real, Vinicius was sent to play for Castilla at the start of the season.

However, Lopetegui now insists: "The time factor is important, it is evident that he is a player who was part of the squad and when he did not come he played with the second team and in the future with what he would have transmitted to us he would have participated.

"He would play if he deserved it, he is a talented guy and he was burning stages as we understood he had to, now I do not have to think if he is to be a starter."