Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward reveals he was close to joining Barcelona: “Practically everything was done”
Rodrygo Goes is now one of the torchbearers of Real Madrid’s next generation. The youngster even got off to a phenomenal start to the 2023-24 campaign at the weekend, scoring in Los Blancos’ 2-0 win over Athletic Club.
However, the prodigy might not have even been a Real Madrid player had fate played its cards a tad bit differently.
Rodrygo could have ended up at Barcelona
The Brazilian recently opened up to GE Globo about how his fairytale move to Real Madrid unfolded. He reiterated that he was inches away from signing for Barcelona and that Los Blancos entered the race in the final minute.
“Practically everything was done with Barcelona, we just needed to sign. I asked my dad: ‘Is there nothing from Real Madrid?’ There was nothing. I asked to wait for the weekend because we had a game. I said ‘I’m going to tear it up and Real Madrid will see me.'”
“My father got mad at me. ‘Are you kidding me? We have an offer from Barcelona. You’re going to play with Messi and you want me to wait?'”
“I went to the game, I scored 3 goals and gave an assist. During the game, Real Madrid called my father,” the young sensation added on his long wait for an offer from Madrid.
Rodrygo then revealed that when he was faced with both options, his decision was a no-brainer.
“The next day, my father left without saying anything. He came back later, went straight into my room, and had a Real Madrid and a Barcelona shirt. He threw them to me and said: ‘Choose.’ I didn’t even think about it, it was Real Madrid.”
The Selecao star went on to talk about Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and revealed that he was an extremely down-to-earth individual.
“Florentino has a lot of respect for us, you can see it in the way he speaks. He was one of those that most surprised me with all the power he has and the way he treats everyone. Always attentive and kind to everyone. He’s not all that he is for no reason.”
Speaking on the constant media attention that came with being a Real Madrid player, Rodrygo said,
“There’s a lot of pressure from the press on us. I don’t know how to explain it. I feel the journalists who support Real Madrid are very supportive, but those who don’t support us are always lying and getting in the way.”
He then spoke about the polarisation among football fans over Real Madrid and how the club is perceived by supporters of the game across the globe.
“Then all of Spain and Europe unite against Real Madrid. We have our supporters but, for those who don’t support us, it’s not just any club. It’s hated.”
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
