Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward reminisces heroics vs Chelsea ahead of UCL tie: “My career took off”
At the young age of 22, Rodrygo finds himself to be one of Carlo Ancelotti’s favourite weapons at Real Madrid. The Brazilian international is capable of playing as a winger, striker, and false-nine based on the team’s system and his versatility only pumps up his value.
In 24 La Liga appearances this season, the forward has scored five goals and provided seven assists. Notably, he scored once and provided two assists in his most recent outing against Real Valladolid, which also happened to be his 149th game with the club.
Rodrygo gave an interview about his milestone where he spoke about his development and growth as a player amongst other topics. Here are the snippets from his interview as revealed by AS.
The Real Madrid star was first asked about his feelings about reaching 150 games for the club, which he will do against Barcelona. Speaking on his achievement and special number, he said:
“Those who have known me since I was a child know that I always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, so to reach 150 official games in this shirt is something I could never have imagined. I’m still as excited as I was on my first day and I’m looking forward to many more”.
The youngster has adapted his game to suit the manager’s requirements time and time again this season and operates as one of the team’s most versatile options. He then spoke about his growth at the club and the difference between the Rodrygo of 2019 and now, saying:
“This one is much more mature, stronger in the head to make decisions, better in everything. Every year I approach it with the decision to improve on the previous one and I’m working on it.”
Rodrygo has already surpassed his record for the most goals in a season this term and is equal to his highest-ever assists in a season. Yet, he showed the hunger he had to improve and succeed and paid no heed to his achievements so far.
“I want to increase my goals and assists. Improve, improve and improve.”
Real Madrid play Chelsea later this month in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League. Last season, it was Rodrygo’s winner that took Los Blancos past the London-based side and the Brazilian revealed that his special goal against Chelsea was the moment that changed his life.
“For me it’s a very special duel, because I always say that last year’s quarter-final was a turning point for me. From then on, my career took off. To be able to face Chelsea again in the same round is something very special. I hope I can score and help as much as possible,” he said.
Finally, the youngster spoke about his path and goals ahead and gave a brief overview of his performance last season, saying:
“Last season was very special for me, as everyone knows. But I want more, to surpass even those moments. I continue to work together with my teammates to win as many titles as possible.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has triggered a wave of massive establishment within the country so much so that the league has approached players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos and even Karim Benzema.
Benzema’s departure from Real Madrid is imminent and if a report from Diaro AS is to be believed, the Frenchman contacted his former Madrid teammate, Ronaldo, to ask him for information about the Saudi league, living conditions and other teams.
All this because it is said that the legendary Frenchman has received a lucrative offer from the newly crowned Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad. As reported before, the star striker will earn more than €100 million per year across his two-year contract with the Saudi team.
At the moment, the Saudi government has approved all of Benzema’s requests and while it is said that he can join the team of his choice, Al Ittihad’s recent flirting had made them absolute favourites.
That said, the transfer may have taken a u-turn recently, as Benzema spoke about staying at Real Madrid for the foreseeable future.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid?”, Benzema said.
“It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet.”
In a recent turn of events, Helder Costa openly spoke about Benzema’s arrival, saying that his team is ‘excited about the arrival of the Balon d’Or winner.’ As if that is not enough, a club fan also showed a Karim Benzema edit on the big screen during their title celebrations.
Meanwhile, since the transfer is not confirmed, Real Madrid continue to be uninformed of Benzema’s decision. And this remains a major problem for the team from the capital city as their summer transfer plan hinges on the continuity of the Frenchman.
At the moment, the team is said to be closing in on the signing of Joselu from Espanyol. However, it must be noted that the forward will only be arriving on a season-long loan as Madrid already have big plans for the summer of 2024, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe both lined up.
