Rodrygo: "Manchester City is the Best Team in the World"
Rodrygo Goes, the Brazilian forward for Real Madrid, recently admitted for the first time that he has doubts about his future at the club with the arrival of his fellow Brazilian, Endrick. He also praised Manchester City, calling them "the best team in the world, the one that plays the best football."
Rodrygo's career-defining moment came against City when he scored twice in under two minutes as time was running out, leading Real Madrid to a comeback victory in the UEFA Champions League two years ago. "It was very special, undoubtedly the best moment of my career and the happiest day of my life," he said.
"I think for many Madrid fans, it was also the happiest day of their lives. I always say I can't explain what happened; I have no explanation. I just felt it was something very special," Rodrygo shared in an interview with GQ Magazine.
Rodrygo's recent comments before the Champions League final media day surprised the club when he said, "anything can happen" next season with the fierce competition in the forward line. "I have a contract here, but the years I have spent here have been a pleasure," he said, fueling rumors that had never surfaced before.
In a new interview, Rodrygo praised Pep Guardiola's City. "To be honest, we knew they were better. For me, they are the best team in the world, the one that plays the best football," admitted the Real Madrid forward.
"I think the toughest opponent is gone, but that doesn't mean winning the final will be easy. It was very difficult with Bayern, and it will be very difficult with Borussia too," he assured.
"On a scale of one to ten, my desire to win this Champions League is a thousand. They say Real Madrid never loses finals, and I hope that's the case again. I've always seen them win all the finals, and I hope it continues," Rodrygo said, believing the match against Dortmund is "50-50," despite everyone considering Real Madrid favorites.
One of the keys to Real Madrid's success in this era is the ambition of the veteran players, as highlighted by the Brazilian forward.
"I've won one Champions League, and I'm very happy, but I want more, many more. The veteran teammates are crazy. Nacho, Modric, Carvajal... They've been here for many years and still want to win like the first day," he emphasized.
"We feel like they're passing the baton to us. Well, we feel it, and they tell us that too. I think they're preparing us, but at the same time, we are already part of that legend too. Real Madrid is a legendary club with everything it has conquered, and I think it's our time to take the spotlight," he reflected.
One of the locker room leaders, German player Toni Kroos, will play his last match with Real Madrid at Wembley. "We're all very sad in the locker room. He's going to retire, and we won't see him play anymore. It's sad news but also joyful because of everything we've enjoyed with him," Rodrygo said.
Finally, he highlighted the importance of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. "He manages the locker room and what happens on the field. He's number one at that. He's brought out the best in me. He always tries to help me, talks to me, tells me what I need to improve. And that helps me a lot. Since he arrived, I think I'm a different player," Rodrygo concluded.
