Real Madrid loanee’s father slams club over poor handling: ‘They took away his playground’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid are facing fresh scrutiny over their handling of young talents after strong comments from the family of Endrick.

The Brazilian wonderkid, who arrived with huge expectations, struggled to secure consistent minutes in Madrid. 

That lack of opportunities ultimately led to a winter loan move to Lyon, a decision that now appears to have transformed both his form and mindset.

Since making the switch, Endrick has looked like a completely different player. 

With seven goals and six assists in just 17 matches, he has established himself as a key attacking presence. 

His recent performance against PSG, where he both scored and assisted, only reinforced the idea that regular football is bringing out his best.

Endrick’s father takes aim

However, beyond the numbers, the most revealing insight has come from his father, Douglas Sousa, who openly questioned Real Madrid’s role in his son’s stalled development.

While reflecting on Endrick’s time in Spain, Sousa used a striking analogy to describe the situation, suggesting that his son had been deprived of the one thing he values most – playing football.

Endrick has been thriving at Lyon. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

“They took away his playground,” Douglas told ESPN Brasil.

Sousa explained what that phrase truly represents in Endrick’s mindset – the idea that football is not just a profession, but his natural environment.

“Endrick has a saying: his playground is the football pitch. What he wanted was to play football. 

“In a way, they took that playground away from him. And he has found that happiness at Lyon. He’s happy, the whole family is happy,” he added.

At the French club, the Real Madrid loanee has been trusted, involved, and given the freedom to express himself, factors that have directly translated into performances.

Lastly, Sousa revealed that the decision to move to Lyon was not taken lightly, with family playing a key role in shaping the outcome.

“My daughter-in-law (Endrick’s wife) was instrumental in Endrick moving to Lyon. That’s what matters to us: seeing him happy,” he concluded.