Real Madrid forward opens up on summer exit rumours – ‘Every year they say I’m leaving’ | OneFootball

The summer transfer window seemed to be a turbulent one for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, as he had seen his prominence in the team decline and there were question marks over his place in Xabi Alonso’s project.

Amidst this, there were a number of Premier League clubs showing an interest in signing the 24-year-old Brazilian, leading to relentless speculations about a departure.

Ultimately, though, Rodrygo ended up staying put at the Santiago Bernabeu and started his second game of the season last night when Real Madrid beat Olympique de Marseille 2-1.

Rodrygo reflects on the summer rumours

Speaking to TNT Sports (h/t ESPN Brazil) after the game, Rodrygo opened up on his situation during the summer and the never-ending speculations regarding his future.

The Real Madrid attacker stated that he was calm and composed about the entire episode, revealing that he even joked with his family and friends about the rumours.

“I’m used to it; every year they say I’m leaving. During the transfer window, every week I was on a different team,” he assured.

“I even joked with my parents and friends: ‘Look, today I’m on this one, tomorrow I’m on that one.’ Every week I was on a different team, but, as I said, I was very calm mentally and it didn’t affect me at all.”

Rodrygo made it clear that he never thought about leaving Real Madrid and will continue to give his everything for the club.

“I continued enjoying my vacation, training because I knew this was where I would continue. Well, in the end, I’m still at home, in the place I always dreamed of being. I’ll continue giving my all every day I wear this shirt,” he said.

Rodrygo is fighting with Vinicius for a starting spot. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

On competing with Vinicius, Brazil NT

As mentioned earlier, Rodrygo started against Marseille, ahead of his compatriot Vinicius Jr. and had a fairly solid game, even winning the first penalty for his team which Kylian Mbappe tucked away.

Talking about the competition for places under Xabi Alonso, the forward remarked: “I train and dedicate myself every day, waiting for opportunities.

“He’s been changing a lot, he’s been playing differently in every game. He started the season by putting me more on the left, but everyone knows I can play inside and on the right, as I always have.”

Concluding, Rodrygo commented on his situation with the Brazil national team, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, hoping to earn his place back in the squad ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup.

“I’ll work for it. Everyone knows no one is guaranteed a place; he (Ancelotti) has always made that very clear. I’ll keep working, giving my best. I know my potential and everything I can deliver,” he said.

“I know that if I’m in good physical and mental health, I can be very important both at my club and with the national team. I’ll just work, and then he’ll decide.

“I have a lot of respect for him, for helping me through the most difficult moments of my life. May we be very happy with the national team.”