Manchester City have been linked with Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, but the Brazilian striker has backtracked on recent praise of the Blues.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo (Image: 2024 Getty Images)
Rodrygo has poured cold water on the prospect of a summer transfer to Manchester City, insisting it is his dream to remain at Real Madrid forever.
City had been linked with a sensational swoop for the Brazilian, who scored as Real Madrid knocked the Blues out of the Champions League in April. He had been quoted as saying City were the best team in the world, strengthening reports that he could be set for an exit from the Bernabeu.
With Kylian Mbappe set to significantly increase competition for places at Real, the reasons for Rodrygo considering leaving were mounting – but he has clarified his comments and reiterated his desire to remain in Madrid.
“When they asked me if he was going to continue forever, I said yes, but there is no way to know. I still have a contract,” he said, via AS. “I dream of staying here and I have the certainty that it will be so. If I can continue all my life, that’s how I will, until they don’t want me.”
Before winning another Champions League title with Real, Rodrygo had said: “To be very direct, I am very happy at Real Madrid. I live a dream every day and it doesn’t cross my mind to leave the club of my life. Now we still have history to make [in the Champions League final].”
In his pre-match press conference, manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that his club want Rodrygo to stay. “Rodrygo is… a very important piece for us,” he said. “He has been very important, he is, and he will be in the future, we have no doubt about that whatsoever.”