Actual Madrid ahead Rodrygo has admitted he turned down the possibility to transfer to Liverpool in 2017, 12 months earlier than his change to Spain was agreed.
Having tasted success from their signing of Vinicius Junior in 2017, Madrid went again to the Brazilian market to lure Rodrygo away from Santos, parting with a cool €45m to signal the then 17-year-old, who had simply 9 senior appearances to his identify on the time.
Rumours of a possible change to the Premier League this summer season have surfaced lately, however Rodrygo has now revealed simply how shut he got here to taking his first step in Europe with Liverpool after a €3m bid was accepted.
“We did not shut the deal as a result of I did not wish to,” Rodrygo recalled. “I needed to remain at Santos regardless that the provide was excellent.
“The pathway they promised me would even have been excellent for my profession. I used to be going to complete my research in England to arrange for European soccer.
“It had all the time been my dream to play in Europe. Every part was excellent, however my want spoke louder. I needed to remain at Santos and make a little bit of historical past on the membership. And that’s what occurred: I used to be in a position to fulfil my dream of taking part in for Santos. Nevertheless it’s true, I virtually went to Liverpool.”
Rodrygo, who was solely permitted to maneuver to Europe in 2019 as soon as he had turned 18, has since managed over 200 appearances for Madrid, racking up 52 targets and 40 assists in all competitions.
Regardless of lacking out on the Brazilian’s signature, Liverpool did not do too badly within the 2017 switch window, snapping up a sure Mohamed Salah from Roma for £34m.
Since Rodrygo moved to Spain, he has confronted off in opposition to Liverpool on 5 events, successful 4 – together with the 2021/22 Champions League closing – and drawing simply as soon as.
