TOTTENHAM new-boy Carlos Vinicius almost quit football just three years ago.
The Brazilian striker, 25, joined Spurs on Friday – on loan from Benfica, with an option to buy for £38million next summer.
Tottenham new boy Carlos Vinicius nearly quit football in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
But in 2017 he struggled at Gremio Anapolis in Brazil’s lower leagues.
He said: “Things were really tough in Brazil.
“I’ve got a wife and two children, things weren’t going well with my football and I spoke with them about quitting. Thankfully, an opportunity arose.
“I got the chance at Real Sport Clube in the Portuguese second division and I saw that like checkmate – it had to come off.
“Today, I’ve made it to the top. Thankfully I’m here now.”
At his Spurs medical, Vinicius pointed out a stud mark on his calf by Benfica team-mate and former Tottenham player Jan Vertonghen.
Vinicius struggled at Santos, Napoli and Monaco before becoming a star with BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Now it is Vinicius hoping to make his mark at Tottenham.
The powerful target man played at youth level with Man City star Gabriel Jesus and Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa, but didn’t hit the heady heights as his compatriots.
A journeyman with Santos, Napoli and Monaco, he exploded onto the scene with Rio Ave in Portugal before excelling last season with Benfica to win the Primeira Liga’s Golden Boot.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
