Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Rodrigo has made headlines recently with his comments about both interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and the upcoming Champions League match against Manchester City. Addressing reporters, Rodrigo expressed his ambition to remain at Real Madrid for many years, stating, “I want to stay at Real for many years. I am happy to be here. Are clubs from Saudi Arabia interested in me? I don’t know much about it – this is my father’s and my agent’s business. I don’t know if the club received any offers,” as reported by AS.
Rodrigo’s comments come at a time when speculation about player transfers is rampant, particularly with the significant sums of money being offered by clubs from the Gulf region. Yet, Rodrigo emphasized his commitment to the club, highlighting how the focus remains on team performance rather than off-field distractions.
Looking forward to their matches against Manchester City, Rodrigo acknowledged the challenges posed by the English club, known for their strong performances. “It’s always difficult to play against Manchester City. We have to cope with great pressure in the first match, but all the players of Real understand this,” said Rodrigo, emphasizing the need for the team to maintain their mental fortitude.
The upcoming match between Real Madrid and Manchester City will take place on February 11, with the kickoff scheduled for 23:00 Moscow time. This will be another opportunity for Real to showcase their capabilities against formidable competition.
Reflecting on the past encounters with City, Rodrigo reiterated the importance of keeping the same mental attitude as last season. “We face the same difficulty as always – playing against them. The first match creates great pressure, and we understand it won’t be easy. We need to keep the same mental attitude we had last season,” he noted, outlining the psychological aspects of competing at such high levels.
Rodrigo also recognized the unique challenges posed by Manchester City, particularly their ball control and style of play. He stated, “Almost all teams coming here struggle – largely due to the characteristics of their players, who control the ball more. I always do my job and am ready for what awaits us.”
With the anticipation building for this significant Champions League clash, Rodrigo's words resonate with both commitment and readiness, setting the stage for what promises to be another captivating chapter of this competitive rivalry.