"That gives him an advantage" - Ex-Brazil star explains why Rodrygo should stay at Real Madrid
Diego Ribas has urged Brazil's Rodrygo to stay at Real Madrid and feels he can continue being a prominent member of Carlo Ancelotti's side. There has been speculation over the young attacker's future amid the arrival of Kylian Mbappe at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ribas, a former 34-cap Brazil international, spoke glowingly of Rodrygo and the impact he can have at Madrid. He advised him to stay with the La Liga giants (via Madrid Zone):
"Rodrygo should stay at Madrid. He is playing very well, he just won the Champions League. He is a player who can play in any position, that gives him an advantage when playing. Madrid will always have a high-quality group, with many strong players, and a lot of competition to play with."
Rodrygo, 23, was excellent last season, posting 17 goals and nine assists in 51 games across competitions. He was a key member of Ancelotti's side who won the La Liga title, the Supercopa de Espana, and the UEFA Champions League.
However, Mbappe is headed to Real Madrid next month to be officially unveiled as a new Los Blancos player. The France captain will undoubtedly be a starter, raising doubts over Rodrygo's game time.
Manchester City and Liverpool have been linked with the former Santos youngster. He downplayed talk of a departure shortly after winning his second Champions League trophy. The 24-cap Brazil international has four years left on his contract.
Rodrygo's father is reportedly listening to offers for the Real Madrid star
Rodrygo has continuously shot down suggestions that he could leave Real Madrid and has made his admiration for the La Liga giants clear. He's been at the Bernabeu since July 2019 when he arrived from Santos for a reported €45 million.
However, OK Diario director Eduardo Inda claims Rodrygo's father is listening to offers. He said while appearing on Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV:
"I said that Rodrygo Goes had offers from Liverpool and that he is also liked by City. They tell me that the one who is moving the player is his father. The father does not have [it clear] that he will be as much a starter as he has been this season."
Rodrygo has yet to play in the Premier League but is seemingly on the radar of two English heavyweights. He acknowledged Pep Guardiola's City as the best team in the world in an honest assesment during Madrid's Champions League campaign.