The onset of war between Ukraine and Russia triggered a series of developments in the world of football around 2022, mostly around the futures of players who played in the countries involved.
Several top European clubs saw the period as a golden one to sign top talents from Ukraine and Russia for steal deals, especially given how many players were desperate for a change in scenery.
Real Madrid also made a signing at the time under similar circumstances, and it was Vinicius Tobias from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The young defender, who had only recently made the move to Ukraine from Brazil, pounced on the chance to arrive on loan to join Real Madrid Castilla and played there from 2022 to 2024 and eventually left when the club decided against activating the purchase clause.
Tobias speaks on his Real Madrid move
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the former Real Madrid player opened up on how he felt when he first found out about the club’s interest in him.
Vinicius Tobias (R) had a short stint at Real Madrid. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)
“Honestly, my reaction when I found out that he was going to sign for Real Madrid. I didn’t believe it,” he began.
“I had just left Shakhtar because of the war, so when I heard that Real Madrid Castilla wanted me on loan, I couldn’t believe it, because it was a very important step in my career,” he added.
Tobias then explained how bizarre the turn of events was at the time and how it felt suddenly moving to Real Madrid shortly after moving to Shakhtar Donetsk.
“I didn’t make my debut with Shakhtar and, suddenly, I found myself in Real Madrid Castilla.”
“The truth is that at first I was a little puzzled, but in the end I assimilated it after arriving and doing my first workouts. I was very happy and very satisfied about it,” he added.
Source: AS
