Highly-rated Brazilian youngster Endrick has revealed why he skipped Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Barcelona to sign for Real Madrid.
The race to sign Endrick was another hot shot by four top European clubs – PSG, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
While other clubs expressed interest in signing the youngster, the race leaned down to the four mega clubs, ready to commit their resources for the Brazil youngster.
However, Real Madrid outran the competitors to sign Endrick. The Los Blancos would have probably lost out of the race save the personal choice of the £51million-rated wonderkid and the influence of Brazil youngsters at Real Madrid.
Speaking to Marca on why he chose Los Blancos over the likes of Barca, Chelsea, and PSG, Endrick said he did so to follow in his ‘idol’ Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps.
Endrick admitted that he was influenced to join Real Madrid ahead of PSG, Barcelona, and Chelsea because of his enduring admiration of Cristiano Ronaldo, who he regards as an idol.
He also revealed how fellow Brazilian and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr played a prominent role in luring him to Santiago Bernabeu.
Apart from the Ronaldo effect, other clubs would have possibly had equal chance to land the Palmeiras star if not for the role of Vinicius Jr.
Endrick regards Vinicius jr as a friend who convinced him to join Real Madrid, sending him texts that ‘gave him more hope.”
The La Liga giant and 2022 Champions League winners reached an agreement with Palmeras for the 16-year-old in a deal expected to reach £62million with over £10million in taxes yet to be added.
However, Endrick will not move to Santiago Bernabeu until 2024. Real Madrid confirmed the deal, but he will still remain with Palmeiras till 2024 when he is expected to join the club.
The holdback is due to the current rules surrounding transfers. Nevertheless, Real Madrid are happy of the future agreement that has warded off suitors.
Endrick played in an annual charity match organised by Brazil legend Zico. Speaking told Marca after the game, he said;
‘Real Madrid are a very big team. Vini had sent me messages and gave me more hope.
‘Cristiano also, who is my idol, played for Real Madrid. That’s why I chose Real Madrid and I think it’s the right choice. God has always been with me and he has told me that it is the best way.’
He scored a hat-trick in front of more than 60,000 fans during the charity match and later admitted it was for fun and that he was not taking it seriously.
He is left-footed and Palmeiras’ youngest ever player.
Ahead of his move, Endrick says he has spoken to Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilians in the Madrid squad including Vinicius, Eder Militao and Rodrygo.
Endrick rolled into the radar of top clubs in Europe after he scored a stunning 165 goals in 169 games for Palmeiras’ youth side. He has already netted five times in four appearances while representing his country’s U-16 team.
Endrick made his debut at the age of 16 years and 16 days, and has already scored three goals for the club in Brazil’s top tier.
