REAL MADRID
Endrick explains decision to make Real Madrid move
The Brazilian spoke to AS while preparing for his final days with Palmeiras before facing two great challenges: the Copa América and his move to Europe.
Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa has established himself as one of Brazil’s most promising young talents. Already considered elite in his home country, the boy born 21 July 2006, in Taguatinga, Brazil, spoke with us at AS as he prepares for his final two matches with Palmeiras. Following his participation in the Copa América this summer, and importantly his 18th birthday, he will officially join Real Madrid this summer.
At just 17 years old, Endrick has already become an international star. Each week, his influence on social media grows, his list of sponsors expands, and he now boasts over 14 million followers. How does he manage to stay focused on his development and keep his feet on the ground?
“Everything is very calm for me because my routine has been simple for a long time,” Endrick says. “I train with my club, eat well, do individual recovery and injury prevention work... and I usually stay at home, where I play video games or spend time with my brother. I don’t have much time to post anything on social media, let alone read everything I receive.”
Endrick has already visited the Santiago Bernabéu twice: the first time as an honorary guest last Christmas, and the second as a player in a friendly match against racism. How did he feel about his future home?
“Knowing the greatest club in the world is a dream for anyone who loves football. Not just for players. For me, it was a dream come true.”
What is your relationship like with Vinicius and Rodrygo? Have you received any advice for when you arrive in Madrid? What do you think of them as players?
“It’s very good. They are young, also Brazilian, who adapted very well both to the city and the club and to the way of playing in Spain. Their story, both Vini’s and Rodrygo’s, is an inspiration and they are going to help me a lot.”
“I was with Ancelotti and Florentino in Madrid... They made me feel very calm”
Do you speak regularly with Ancelotti or Florentino? How do you imagine your first days at Madrid?
“I was with them in Madrid. They made me feel very calm and with a lot of confidence for when I arrive. They mentioned that they follow my games in Palmeiras and that I will be very well received.”
Is becoming a European champion with Madrid a goal?
“More than wanting, I know that being a European champion is obligatory if one is at Madrid. The Champions League is a tournament that Madrid always has in mind, and the team should not start the season with any other objective than that.”
Do you aspire to the Ballon d’Or someday?
“The Ballon d’Or is the consequence of having success over several years in the form of titles for which I will work, but I know it is not the main thing. The club is always the main thing.”
Have you seen the historic Champions League nights at the Bernabéu or the team’s recent finals?
“Of course, those were games that made me feel like a child again.”
Do you see yourself in one of those unique comebacks?
“Imagining being part of such games is simply incredible: the tension, the drama, the relief, and finally, the celebration...”
Why did you choose Madrid over Barcelona or PSG?
“It wasn’t a choice. Madrid was always a dream. I didn’t have to choose anything, I simply realized a dream.”
“Madrid always has three or four players who could be chosen as the best in the world”
Who is the best player at Madrid, the one who surprised you the most and you most wanted to meet?
“I have already met everyone. In the best team in the world, in every game anyone can surprise, as we have seen. It’s impossible to say who is the best in a club like this. Madrid always has three or four players who could be chosen as the best in the world.”
Many think that Madrid lacked a number 9 like you.
“All the players on the team are among the best players in the world in their respective positions. In every play, one of them decides a game, whether attacking or defending.”
How do you experience, from afar, the possible arrival of Mbappé? Could it be a threat?
“In a winning group, no player is a threat to another. The best club in the world always has to seek the best in every position, always. Being alongside great players and competing for a spot with them will only make me improve, reach a higher level, and win more titles, because the club’s titles are the most important goals.”
After signing for Madrid, criticism focused a lot on you, but gradually you managed to move forward and even ended up being the revelation of the season.
“I don’t think it was such a bad start to the season, just a start with fewer minutes on the field. Our group is very good. Abel Ferreira, the coach, always had many options, players, and tactics, and sometimes, some adapt better to certain games. I learned a lot to be able to perform various roles on the field.”
Before joining Madrid, you have the Copa América ahead. You will be one of the youngest players to compete in an international tournament with Brazil, equaling Ronaldo (1994 World Cup) and Pelé (1958 World Cup). How do you feel?
“I feel a lot of pride, but I am very aware of the responsibility. The Brazilian National Team has to win any tournament it competes in. I know that nothing beyond the title matters. It’s a moment where we cannot afford to fail.”
The coach, Dorival Jr., asks for patience and a lot of calmness with you, but you have already scored against England and Spain. Do you think you can be a starter?
“I go to sleep and wake up every day thinking about what I can do better to help the group I’m in. Of course, playing would be wonderful, but the coach always knows what’s best for the team and what remains for me is to give my all in training and in matches to help the coach and my teammates in every way.”
“Real Madrid and the Champions League are made for each other... I hope they become champions”
How do you see the Champions League final? Do you think Madrid can win their 15th title?
“Madrid makes you think of the Champions League, and the Champions League makes you think of Madrid. They are made for each other. I believe history will repeat itself. However, matches are won on the field, and Dortmund did not reach the final by chance. They are a very good, very competitive team.”
Who do you think could be the MVP of the final?
“I hope it will be one of my friends from Madrid, but above all, I hope they become champions. In the final, it’s all about pushing hard for the title. That day is all that matters.”