Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo insists he was always determined to remain at the Spanish giants this summer despite rumoured transfer interest from Liverpool and other clubs.
The Brazil international, 24, was linked with the Reds following the departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, while he was also said to be interesting Arsenal and Manchester City.
At one stage a move to the Premier League seemed a strong possibility with Rodrygo struggling to get into Xabi Alonso’s star-studded side, who usually line up with Rodrygo’s Brazil team-mate Vinicius Jr on the left and Kylian Mbappe upfront, with Jude Bellingham stationed behind them.
After electing to remain at the Bernabeu Rodrygo has appeared eight times for Real this season, but six of those appearances have been from the bench as the likes of Vinicius, Mbappe, and youngsters Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia have been preferred in attack for Real, who visit Anfield in the Champions League next month.
Despite his lack of action though, Rodrygo says he ‘s happy he remained in the Spanish capital.
“Every summer, the same thing happens to me. Whether I’m going to leave or whether I have offers from this club or that,” he told Spanish publication AS.
“Every week, I was in a team if I paid attention to what was published. Of course, there are always offers; I’m not going to lie about that.
“But I always made it clear to the club that I want to continue succeeding here, even more than I already have. It’s a lot to have won two Champions Leagues at my age, but now I want more European Cups in this shirt.
“I’ve always said: ‘As long as Real Madrid wants me, I’ll be here.’ If one day Real Madrid says to me: ‘Rodry, find a team,’ I’ll say ‘OK.’ But that hasn’t happened.
“The club has always told me they count on me. And when I had a problem, they were there for me. People speculated because I kept quiet. But I knew what I was going to do this season with Real Madrid and that I’m going to be focused on giving my best. It hasn’t bothered me. I was calm, and here I am… as always. This is my seventh season.”
Rodrygo went on to elaborate on conversations he’s had with ex-Reds star Alonso over his role in the side, saying: “When the manager arrived he called me in to talk and said: ‘I know you like playing on the left, but I’m going to need you in other positions too.’ I told him, ‘Okay, manager, I’m here to help the team.’
“Everyone knows I prefer playing on the left and that I’m much better on that wing, but I’m always available to the team to play on the right or as a number nine, and I told him so. The truth is, he’s only putting me on the left, and I like the level of minutes I’m getting. I’m doing well, although, logically, I want to play more. I’m in a process of evolution, and I’m getting better and better, and I feel happy. I’m performing better and better.”