Real Madrid star Rodrygo has bluntly revealed that he turned down a move to Liverpool because he simply didn’t need to sign for the Reds.
The Brazilian foreigner joined the Bernabeu in 2019 but had the opportunity to arrive at Anfield earlier in his career as he attracted interest from Europe at the age of 16. Instead, Rodrygo made 80 appearances for his hometown of Santos as a teenager, where he eventually donned the jersey. Jersey n°11, following in the footsteps of Neymar.
The 23-year-old has already played a pivotal role in Champions League, Club World Cup and La Liga victories since investing £40m in the Spanish capital. The striker has not lacked interest from the likes of PSG, Barcelona and Juventus, who are also said to have shown interest.
Rodrygo, however, claims that it is Liverpool who offer him a promising path to Europe. The youngster’s dream was to play in Europe and the Reds seemed to offer him a smart path, but Rodrygo’s preference for playing for Santos outweighed the offer.
The 22-capped star said: “We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t need it. I wanted to stay in Santos even though the offer was very good.
“The course I was promised would also have been very smart for my career. I’m going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football.
“I dreamed of playing in Europe. Everything was great, but my preference was stronger. I wanted to stay at Santos and write a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to realize my “Dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool. “
On the other hand, it turns out that opting for Real Madrid was an easy resolution when the La Liga giants called. Speaking when he was touted as the Merengues’ new signing, Rodrygo said it was a very quick process.
“I’ve said I prefer Real Madrid and when they got here I didn’t even have to ask questions, so 20 minutes and that’s it,” Rodrygo said.
“I think everyone who has known me since I was a kid knows that I’ve been a Real Madrid fan. I told my father that I would play for Real Madrid and when they arrived I had no doubts. “
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