Rodrygo celebrates Brazil return: "It felt like ages" | OneFootball

Rodrygo is back with the Brazilian National Team. The Real Madrid forward was called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the friendly matches against South Korea and Japan and rejoined the Canarinho squad after nearly seven months. He commented on the long period without being called up and celebrated his return.

"It was a long time, it seemed like an eternity to be away from the National Team. It was a difficult time, I went through a lot during this time, but it was good to reflect and get my head in the right place. Today I feel good and ready to be here again to deliver my best and show my best version in the National Team," said Rodrygo, at a press conference on Monday in Seoul, South Korea.

"I have definitely evolved in every aspect of my life. I am a different person because of the time I went through. I don't like to talk much about the topic because I think it's no longer relevant. The important thing is that I am well, recovered. What I can say is that I am a new person and definitely a better player as well. I hope to demonstrate this on the field with the National Team and throughout the season. But I am happy and mentally well," he added.

The player has a strong relationship with Ancelotti, with whom he worked at Real Madrid for four years. Despite this, the former Santos player dismissed the idea that he already has a guaranteed spot in the 2026 World Cup.

"I'm not one foot in, I think no one has a guaranteed place. I know I have to show a lot more, especially because I trust in my potential and my talent. I need to demonstrate much more, and I demand a lot from myself every day for this, to be increasingly better in the National Team. Of course, there is the whole journey with Ancelotti, for having been our coach at Real Madrid in recent years, but he makes it clear at all times that no one has a guaranteed place. Playing well at your club is essential to always be in the National Team and maybe make it to the World Cup," he pointed out.

Rodrygo also explained the importance of having the Italian at the helm of Brazil. For him, Ancelotti's presence lends more credibility and generates respect from opponents. The player lavished praise on the coach.

"Pleasure to be with Ancelotti here, he is a guy who helped me a lot in my career. Surely, in his hands, I evolved to another level. It's a pleasure to meet him again and hear him talk about how much he is enjoying the environment. I told him that the environment is always very good, and that's why he likes being here so much. It was a long period away, but now I'm back, well and I hope to deliver my best," he commented.

"When you are on the field, look outside and have Ancelotti leading you, it carries a different weight, even for the opponents, who are going to play against Brazil that has Ancelotti as coach. People respect a little more and that gives more credibility. I will always sing his praises, because he was the coach who made me grow. Having a coach like that off the field is beyond words," he reinforced.

Friendlies in Asia

Brazil will face South Korea and Japan in this FIFA date in friendly matches in preparation for the World Cup. The match against the Koreans is scheduled for Friday, at 8 am (Brasilia time), while the game against the Japanese will take place on the 14th, at 7:30 am.

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