Vinícius Júnior has declared he wants to stay at Real Madrid “forever” amid continued reports linking him with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

The Brazilian forward, who is the favorite to lift the Ballon d’Or on October 28, has been the subject of interest from Saudi clubs.

Sources told ESPN in August that Vinicius would wait until the end of this season before deciding whether to leave Madrid.

However, after scoring a second-half hat-trick in Madrid’s 5-2 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, he made it clear he wanted to stay at the club if possible.

“I’m only 24,” Vinicius said. “I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as I can to this team, which has given me everything since I arrived here.”

The hat-trick against Dortmund was his first in the Champions League, although Vinicius played down his heroics.

“(Real Madrid coach Carlo) Ancelotti told me to keep going, that I can always do more,” he said. “But we have to improve and play like that from the start, otherwise the coach won’t be able to handle it.

“This is our game and we want to win it again.”

Vinícius scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions for LaLiga champions Madrid last season, including his team’s second goal as they won the Champions League final against Dortmund in June.

Lucas Vázquez, Madrid captain on Tuesday, praised Vinícius’ last match.

“Vini Jr. had an incredible second half,” Vázquez said. “It’s one to show the children so that they understand how football should be played, with that intensity and the hunger to go after the goals. He has once again shown that he is the most decisive player in the world, He had an incredible second half.”

Madrid director Emilio Butragueño applauded Vinícius and compared him to Brazilian legend Pelé.

Asked about Vinicius’ third goal against Dortmund, the former Spain striker said: “It reminded me of Pele. It’s a beautiful goal. The way he ran, the way he pretended to dribble past the defender. A beautiful goal “For those of us who love football, it justifies coming here to the Bernabéu (stadium) and that a player can offer that game that evokes a lot of emotion and admiration.”

In the meantime, Vinícius is looking forward to La Liga’s Classic Saturday against Barcelona.

Madrid is three points behind leaders Barça.

“We’re going all out,” Vinícius said. “It’s on our own field, with our fans. We will fight for everything this season, as always.”