Real Madrid star Rodrygo has bluntly revealed he rejected a transfer to Liverpool as he simply didn't want to join the Reds.
The Brazilian international moved to the Bernabeu in 2019 but had the opportunity to arrive at Anfield earlier in his career as he drew interest from Europe at the age of 16. Rodrygo instead made 80 appearances for hometown Santos as a teenager, where he eventually donned the No.11 shirt, following in the footsteps of Neymar.
The 23-year-old has already played a pivotal role in winning Champions League, Club World Cup and La Liga honours since completing a £40million to the Spanish capital. The forward had received no shortage of interest with the likes of PSG, Barcelona and Juventus also said to have held an interest.
Rodrygo claims that it was Liverpool that offered him a promising pathway to Europe, however. It was the youngster's dream to play in Europe and the Reds appeared to offer a good route, but Rodrygo's desire to feature for Santos outweighed the proposal.
The 22-times capped star said: “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.
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"The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football.
"It had always been my dream to play in Europe. 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 was swift to decide Real Madrid would be his team after Santos (Burak Akbulut)In contrast, it appears it was an easy decision to choose Real Madrid when the La Liga giants came calling. Speaking when he was presented as the latest Los Merengues signing, Rodrygo said it was a very quick process.
"I always said I preferred Real Madrid and when they came I didn't even have to ask questions, so 20 minutes and it was all done," said Rodrygo.
"I think everyone who knows me since I was a child knows I've always been a Real Madrid fan. I always told my dad I'd play for Real Madrid and when they came I didn't have any doubts at all."
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