VIN NEARLY BINNED IT

CARLOS VINICIUS almost quit football for good four years ago as he struggled to ignite his career in Brazil.

The big Benfica forward – on a season-long loan at Tottenham – went into a game for club side Gremio Anapolis thinking it would be his last, but scored twice to spark a run of form which saw Portuguese side Real SC bring him to Europe.

Vinicius (below), 26, has scored 10 goals for Spurs in 21 games and recalled: “I was at end of my tether... I’d made the decision to give up football.

“That offer from Real is why I am where I am today. As soon as Spurs came in for me, I had to be a part of this dressing room, with such wonderful players. I am learning every day.

“Now I enjoy every minute on the pitch... whether it’s one or 90.”