Endrick Talks Real Madrid, Vinicius, Benzema: “We Will Win The Champions League”
After bursting onto the scenes in Brazil last year, Endrick caused quite the transfer war with several top clubs vying for his signing. Ultimately, though, it was Real Madrid who landed the 16-year-old Palmeiras wonderkid.
Los Blancos shelled out a transfer fee of €35 million plus €25 million in add-ons for the teenager, who will be arriving at the club only in 2024, once he turns 18.
Meanwhile, continuing in Palmeiras, Endrick had endured a slow start to the 2023 season in Brazil, leading to questions over his potential and Real Madrid’s investment in him.
However, the 16-year-old forward managed to shut down the critics scoring a goal each leg of the finals of the Paulista Championship to win his third major trophy with his boyhood club.
Following his triumph, Endrick gave an interview to TNT Sports (h/t MARCA), during which he discussed his impending move to Real Madrid and the footballers he follows at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I don’t miss a single match. I’m always supporting, always watching Vini ‘destroy’ the opponents. Against Villarreal, again Vinicius made the difference, unfortunately we lost,” said Endrick referring to Real Madrid’s 2-3 defeat to Villarreal on Saturday.
Endrick has previously admitted that he has formed a close relationship with Vinicius Jr. And recent reports suggested that the Real Madrid superstar helped the teenage prodigy through the tough times he was going through earlier this season.
Talking about his admiration for his compatriot, Endrick said: “It’s great to see Vinicius playing. He’s always happy, playing with a smile on his face. Even when they provoke him…
“The more they give him stick, the more he performs, they (those who criticise Vinicius) in my opinion are fools, because he plays even better.”
When asked which other Real Madrid players he follows closely, Endrick named fellow Brazilians Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao, along with club captain and ace goalscorer Karim Benzema.
“I watch Rodrygo, Militao, the Brazilians…. Another player I’m watching more is Benzema, I see what he does in the box and throughout the game. It’s great to know that I’ll be playing alongside those players I play with in Fifa,” he said.
Finally, when quizzed about Real Madrid’s chances in the UEFA Champions League this season, Endrick was very confident that the Merengues will go all the way in the tournament once again.
“I think that we, we, Real Madrid, will be winners of the Champions League and that Vini will be the best in the world,” he signed off.
Despite his slow start to the season, Real Madrid have complete faith in Endrick and are very happy with the deal to sign him. The teenager will arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2024, once he turns 18 years old.
