Real Madrid News
Endrick names Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol: “Great pride that I will wear the same shirt he wore”
At just 17 years of age, Endrick is breaking records for fun. The Brazilian teenage sensation is set to link up with Real Madrid next season but is doing enough to secure his name in Palmeiras’ history books before the blockbuster move.
The youngster made his debut for the Brazilian National Team in the Selecao’s clash against Colombia earlier today and rewrote yet another headline. The boy, many say, is destined to touch the stars.
Earlier this week, the to-be Real Madrid star spoke to Daily Mail about a plethora of topics including his time at Palmeiras, love for Real Madrid, and dream of playing for the Brazilian National Team. He began by commenting on his first call-up with the Selecao, saying:
“It has always been an ultimate dream to wear the Brazil jersey. Things have happened very quickly in my life, and this is another dream come true. I can only thank my family, agents, and Palmeiras, who have always believed in me.”
Endrick then went on to name Real Madrid as his dream club and named the player whom he idolised throughout his childhood.
“My dream, since I was little, has always been to play for Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of my biggest idols. So it is a great pride to know that I will wear the same shirt he wore.”
It has not all been smooth sailing for the youngster despite the hype around his name. He endured a rough start to 2023 with a period in which he had sparse playing time and limited opportunities to shine.
“At no point did I hang my head because I wasn’t playing. It was a period of professional growth. Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras boss) always talked to me, so I was more at ease, respected his decision, and kept working.”
“Now the opportunity has come to show what I can do on the pitch, and I am very grateful for everything that is happening. It’s a moment to enjoy and be happy,” he added.
Real Madrid’s main goal heading into the summer transfer window was to wrap up the signing of Jude Bellingham amid massive interest from Premier League giants such as Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola’s City, especially, were ready to match and increase any salary Madrid offered, and were going strongly into the bidding war.
Eventually, Bellingham decided to join Madrid after they reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for €3 million.
However, following this, los blancos had to improvise a fair bit as Karim Benzema decided to leave the club to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer. They were expecting him to continue for another season, at least, and it stumped their plans in the market.
In the next few weeks, Madrid chased forwards, and ended up signing Joselu, Brahim Diaz, and a certain Arda Guler, who was close to Barcelona before eventually ending up at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Unfortunately for Madrid, he is yet to play a single minute for the club after picking up a serious injury in pre-season. Despite being on the bench for a couple of games, Guler suffered a relapse in training, and was sidelined again.
Now, reports from Yagiz Sabuncuoglu say that the Turkish international is close to returning to team training.
Guler has slowly, but surely, been recovering from his injury, and could take to the pitch for his first minutes with the club in the next few weeks as Madrid look for solutions after a month full of injuries.
With Vinicius Jr, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, and Thibaut Courtois all out until early 2024, Madrid have relied on Castilla for reinforcements, but could do with Guler’s services in their forward line.
That said, Carlo Ancelotti and co. are expected to be extremely cautious when it comes to the Turkish international. The slightest spell of poor man-management here could make or break the youngster’s career.
