Real Madrid ace Rodrygo said he believes Kylian Mbappe’s move to the Spanish capital is ‘close’, and stressed that his team is ready for Manchester City in the Champions League, following an MVP performance against Athletic Club on Sunday.
The Brazilian scored both goals in a 2-0 win at the Bernabeu, which extended Los Blancos’ lead at the La Liga summit to eight points over bitter rivals FC Barcelona.
On this occasion, he occupied Vinicius Jr.’s usual left wing because his compatriot was suspended, and couldn’t have completed the assignment in more impressive fashion.
When asked about the competition for places on the front line, which will only be increased if Mbappe completes an expected free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, and when Endrick arrives from Palmeiras, the 23-year-old noted: “There are a lot of us”.
“I think Mbappe is close [to joining] because of what everyone says. I trust the journalists, but I don’t know what will happen.
“There are a lot of us and let’s see what the coach decides. I’m not thinking about anything, just about being focused on this season, on finishing it well, with as many titles as possible.
“It’s a good problem for the coach next year, but I’m calm,” said the forward, who has been linked by El Nacional to a move to Liverpool.
“It’s true that I do better there,” Rodrygo confessed, as per the flank he was placed on Sunday night.
“Because of the style our team plays, it always favours the one who plays on the left. It went very well and I want to do it on the right as well,” he added.
Madrid now has nine days’ rest, until taking on a team he knows well in Manchester City for a Champions League quarterfinal first leg. Amid their manager Pep Guardiola ranting about the time Carlo Ancelotti’s men have to prepare, Rodrygo simply stated: “We are ready.”
“It’s going to be tough, as always. It’s City again and we’re ready. It’s going to be a very nice game, let’s see what happens,” he suggested.
Unless Ancelotti heavily shifts his formation, with AS reporting he has conjured up three different plans to KO the reigning champions from the competition, Rodrygo should start up front with Vinicius in the last eight tie.