“I always want to stay at this club but let's see” - Real Madrid superstar opens up on his future amid Liverpool links
Rodrygo has insisted he wants to stay at Real Madrid but couldn't rule out a future departure amid speculation Liverpool are keeping tabs. The Brazilian forward has been superb this season, registering 17 goals and nine assists in 50 games across competitions.
The 23-year-old expressed pride in representing Los Blancos ahead of their UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. He said (via Madrid Zone):
"Stay at Real Madrid forever? Yes, well, anything can happen. I have a contract but the years I've spent here, it's been a pleasure. I always want to stay at this club but let's see."
Rodrygo has been at Real Madrid since July 2019 when he joined from Brazilian outfit Santos for €45 million. He's been a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti's side this season, helping them win La Liga, Supercopa de Espana, and potentially a 15th European title this weekend.
Kylian Mbappe's arrival this summer could cast doubt over Rodrygo's game time next season. Ancelotti will work out his best frontline to consist of the duo, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
Liverpool has been linked with Rodrygo for several years and reportedly approached Madrid about signing him. OK Diario reports that the Reds had a €120 million offer rejected. He has four years left on his contract with the La Liga giants.
Rodrygo explains why he turned Liverpool down before joining Real Madrid
Rodrygo admitted last month that he almost joined Liverpool while at Santos but held out for a move to Real Madrid. He said (via GOAL):
"We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good...Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool."
Rodrygo made 80 appearances with his boyhood club Santos, bagging 17 goals and eight assists. He's gone on to have massive success in the Spanish capital, winning 10 major trophies, including the Champions League and three La Liga titles.
Liverpool have boasted several world-class wingers over the years such as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Rodrygo would have been an exciting addition to Jurgen Klopp's crop of attackers but he opted to wait for Los Merengues.