Bruno Rodrigues joins Cruzeiro, eyes starting spot after injury | OneFootball

On Thursday, forward Bruno Rodrigues was presented at Cruzeiro. After an impressive stint at the Minas Gerais club in 2022 and 2023, the player returns to Minas Gerais after two seasons at Palmeiras.

Bruno highlighted his first spell at Cruzeiro during 2022 and 2023, where he stood out in the attack for Cabuloso.

“Very happy, motivated, I know very well what I experienced here in 22 and 23. So, when I saw Cruzeiro the way it is, with the structure it has. What we have to do now is play football, show what we can do and, God willing, have a wonderful year.” he said.

Injuries at Palmeiras and a Difficult Moment in His Career

In 2024, the player from Rio Grande do Norte was signed by Palmeiras to be a key player in Verdão’s attack. However, upon his arrival, Bruno suffered an injury to his right knee and then to his left, taking part in only a few matches over two seasons in São Paulo. The 28-year-old recalled this delicate moment in his career.

“When I arrived at Palmeiras, it was at Abel’s request, but unfortunately, we football players go through things that are out of our control. Unfortunately, because of the injuries, I couldn’t show the football I showed here at Cruzeiro. Things didn’t work out there, not because of me, but because of things that happen to every athlete. I just have to thank the people at Palmeiras who took very good care of me, I can’t be unfair.” he recalled.

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Support from Kaio Jorge During Recovery

The player, who came up through Athletico-PR, revealed a conversation with Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge during his recovery and spoke about his fears about returning to play.

“When I got injured, he (Kaio Jorge) sent me a message because it was the same injury he had. We always kept in touch. Every day I would ask: ‘Man, it’s not working here, is it really like this?’ He’d say, ‘Yeah, that’s how it is,’ and he’d send me videos to motivate me.” he revealed.

“Because, whether you like it or not, you start thinking you’ll never play football again. But with my willpower, my desire. Football changed my life, so every day I dedicated myself, I was the first to arrive at the club and the last to leave. So, thank God, today I’m pain-free and that’s what matters.” he added.

Fighting for a Starting Spot at Cruzeiro

When asked about competing for a starting spot upon his return, Bruno said he’s coming to the club with even more determination and wants to relive the journey he had in 2022 and 2023. Over his two seasons at Cruzeiro, the player took part in 67 matches, contributing 17 goals and 10 assists.

“I came to add to the team, I’m going to work hard to earn my place, I didn’t come here just because of what I did in 2022 and 2023, I came here to fight for my starting spot and with a lot of hard work, humility, and the will to win, I’m going to give my best every day,” he said.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.