The agent of Flamengo star Vinicius Junior has explained his decision to move to Real Madrid.

The Brazilian wonderkid, for whom Madrid have paid 45 million euros, is set to stay with Brazilian side Flamengo until 2019 before heading for the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

"Barcelona offered more money than Madrid, the player would've earned more," said Frederico Pena, who brokered the deal that was confirmed this week.

"But we arrived at an agreement with Madrid because the player preferred their project more. Some people believe that he chose Madrid for money, but they are wrong.

"Vinicius only concentrated on the sporting aspect and Real Madrid's position in the negotiations was better in that regard."

On Vinicius playing for Los Blancos next season, the agent told Globoesporte: "Madrid can sign players like Mbappe. We've got to see the player's development this year and what Madrid will need next summer. Then we'll know when he goes there.

"Vinicius will go to Madrid with his whole family. Such a young lad will need to be surrounded by his own."