Vini admits he wanted to send a message to City fans after the taunts he had received in the past.
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Before last year's clash at the Etihad, City fans unfurled a banner mocking the Brazilian after his fury seeing Rodri beat him to the 2024 Ballon d'Or title.
After scoring his brace on the night, Vini celebrated with a crying gesture aimed at the home support.
He said afterwards: "The last time I came to Man City, they were sort of making fun of me, saying maybe I was crying about the Ballon d'Or.
"I wasn't disrespecting the City fans, it was just a way to sort of prove myself to the Manchester City fanbase."