Attacker for Real Madrid Rodrygo has disclosed that he passed up the opportunity to join Barcelona in order to transfer from Santos to Bernabeu.
During his time with Santos, the Brazilian was regarded as one of the best young players in international football. He played 54 times for the team, making 13 goals and six assists.
The attacker signed a contract with Real Madrid until 2025 after a June 2018 agreement was made to bring him to the Spanish capital.
The 22-year-old has now played 166 times for Los Blancos across all competitions, contributing to 32 assists and scoring 38 goals. During his time in Madrid, he has also won two La Liga championships, the Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
According to Rodrygo, “practically everything was done with Barcelona.” The Brazilian was on the verge of transferring to Camp Nou when Real Madrid intervened at the last minute to reach an agreement with Santos.
“With Barcelona, practically everything was set up; we simply needed to sign. “Is there nothing from Real Madrid?” I questioned my father. According to Rodrygo, there was nothing.
“Since we had a game on the weekend, I requested a delay. I threatened to destroy it, and Real Madrid would witness it.
“My father was furious with me. Are you serious? There is a deal from Barcelona. You want me to wait while you play with [Lionel] Messi?
“I attended the game, scored three goals, and assisted on one. Real Madrid called my father during the game. My father left the following day without saying anything.He returned later and entered my room wearing a Real Madrid and a Barcelona shirt. He threw them at me and instructed me to “pick.” Real Madrid, I didn’t even think to consider that.
Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s opening La Liga game of the year on Saturday thanks in part to a goal from Rodrygo.The Brazilian and Vinicius Junior was a front-two at San Mames, where Ancelotti is anticipated to employ a 4-3-1-2 formation this season in the wake of Karim Benzema’s departure.