Real Madrid News
Rodrygo hails former Barcelona superstar as his idol: “Always special”
It is common for footballers around the world to idolise players from their nation and hold them as an inspiration. After all, a player’s career is moulded and shaped at the grassroots level which is also the stage when one is exposed continuously to national heroes.
Rodrygo Goes too, similarly, holds Neymar Jr as his idol. The youngster has been very vocal about his admiration of the Brazilian captain and of how he continues to be mesmerised by the Brazilian’s play.
After Brazil’s 3-0 win over Ghana earlier today, the Real Madrid player posted a picture with Neymar on his Instagram with a caption- “Always special playing with my idol.”
The PSG star provided two assists for the Selecao on the night and both the moves were finished by Richarlison. Meanwhile, Rodrygo came on in the 80th minute for Barcelona’s Raphinha who also registered an assist in the game.
Last year, the Real Madrid star was asked to elaborate on why he held Neymar in such high respectd to which he replied,
“(He is) An absolute genius as a footballer, a unique player. And he is an incredible person. In the short time we have had together, he has been a sensational influence on me.”
Rodrygo has had a blistering start to this season, scoring three goals and providing five assists in just four La Liga games. Needless to say, he is making a strong case for Carlo Ancelotti to consider him as a regular starter in the forward line alongside Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr.
The story of Marco Asensio’s last twelve months at Real Madrid has been one of pitiable timing.
The Spanish winger was prepared to renew his deal with the club last summer and asked for improved terms in exchange for his loyalty. Real Madrid, at the time, felt his demands were ludicrous and broke down talks with the player.
Asensio was subsequently pushed down the pecking order and labelled a ‘contract rebel.’ The player was deeply affected by his situation as he played virtually no part in the team’s opening spell of the season.
Despite being pushed down, the Spaniard did not concede. Through his consistent performances when given the odd chance, he won Ancelotti’s trust back and finished the season with 30 league appearances under his belt.
Los Blancos now want to renew the star as his contract runs out in June. The manager sees him as an integral part of the setup, especially for his ability to come up clutch in front of goal. Ironically, Asensio does not wish to renew his contract this time around and appears set to leave.
According to reports from Fabrice Hawkins, Asensio is already in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a move in the summer. His transfer will be on a Bosman move given his contractual situation, and Real Madrid will have nothing to gain from the operation.
Asensio’s reluctance to sign a new deal in Madrid is not a consequence of the events of last summer. The Spaniard only wishes for a regular starting place in the lineup, something Real Madrid cannot guarantee at the moment while PSG can.
The Merengues have identified Brahim Diaz as a possible replacement for the departing 27-year-old and are already in the process of renewing the on-loan player’s deal. However, reports also state that Diaz wishes to continue at AC Milan and that Los Blancos will not force him to stay.
