Endrick goal sends Palmeiras to Paulistão final: striker injured in semi-finals

Endrick continues to shine. The striker returned from international duty to score the goal that took his team to the final of the Paulistão. This semi-final was against Novorizontino, a Brazilian second division team that did not make it easy for Abel Ferreira’s XI.

After a tough first half dominated by the underdogs, the deadlock was broken when ‘Flaco’ López headed a long ball down to the future Real Madrid player, who made no mistake in front of goal, taking a touch into space inside the crowded box before picking his spot and slotting low from close range.

Endrick started the game despite having trained only one day with his team after the international break. Given the tight turnaround, Leila Pereira, the president of Palmeiras, sent her private plane to Madrid to pick up all of Richard Rios, Murilo and Endrick himself.

The three underwent immediate recovery training at the stadium, and the morning before the match, the striker had an ice bath to aid the process. “I came here by plane, arrived at the Allianz, went for treatment, spent the whole day treating, got up early to ice,” he revealed after the game concluded.

Endrick on thigh injury: ‘even if it’s 1%, even without a leg I will play’

After his incredible performance with the Brazilian National Team, the player once again stood up for his club. “I am very happy to be part of this wonderful team, to be playing, it is not easy to play here, I am happy to score the goal, although I know it is my last Paulistão, I will do everything I can. I will do everything I can to help them, they really are my friends, they are my family, I am happy to play with them here,” Endrick said about his side.

However, the match was not all fun and smiles on the Palmeiras side. In the 72nd minute Endrick was substituted due to muscular discomfort. “I took a knock against Spain and afterwards they’ll have a look at me. It will be nothing, God willing, but I’ll be there [in the next game], it’s my last Paulistão. As I said, I’ll do whatever I can do for Palmeiras , it’s me trying to give something back, even if it’s 1%, even without a leg I will play, to help Palmeiras and my teammates,” Endrick admitted.

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‘Endrick came back with a knock from the national team’

After the match, Abel Ferreira also highlighted the work of his player in a press conference. “He is a kid with his head on straight, I really like to remember the two sides of the coin: national team, goals, Real Madrid” Ferreira stressed. “Endrick came back with a knock from the national team, but in reality he is a kid with a talent for scoring, and he scored the goal,” he added.

However, Ferreira also claims that he warned his young star. “Be careful with praise, many times praise is impostor, it inflames our ego and we forget what brought us here. Honestly, he is a very balanced kid, very intelligent, he studies. Whether here or at Real Madrid, he will have time to work, but he will have time to learn and continue studying”.

Finally, he also spoke about the injury Endrick had suffered in the match. “We were afraid that he received a knock to the thigh, but life is full of risks, we take risks. I think it will take more time, but we will use all the resources we have to recover both him and Raphael Veiga.

With this goal, Endrick continues to amaze the world of elite football. After entering into the Brazil history books, he has returned on an express trip and scored again to take his team to the final of the Paulistão. Real Madrid have a true talent on their hands.