Endrick Open to January Exit After Inspiring Real Madrid's 4-3 Champions League Comeback Against Roma
Endrick Signals Possible January Transfer Despite Key Role in Real Madrid Victory
Endrick has opened up about the possibility of leaving Real Madrid during the January transfer window after playing a pivotal part in an electrifying 4-3 Champions League comeback win over Roma. The young Brazilian forward came off the bench to spark the turnaround but admitted that his future at the club remains uncertain.
Substitute Hero Turns the Tide in Rome
Thrown on after 58 minutes with Madrid trailing 3-1, Endrick shifted the momentum following goals by Marten de Roon and a Donyell Malen brace for Roma. His effort led to Carlos Espi scoring a crucial 83rd-minute goal. Shortly after, he headed in a corner from Arda Guler, setting up Antonio Rudiger's stoppage-time winner to seal the thrilling victory.
Unexpected Early Call-Up Yields Reward
Before this night, where Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th Champions League appearance, Endrick had featured just once competitively all season. Reflecting on being brought on early, he shared: "I’m very happy. It was a tough match. I was on the bench, thankful to be here. When the coach called me so early, I was surprised. I hadn’t played here for a while and I had a lot of hunger. That’s what I brought, and I performed well."
He also revealed tactical advice from José Mourinho: "He told me to enjoy myself and mark their number three, which I did during the game."
Future Remains Uncertain Amid Transfer Rumors
After a loan spell at Lyon, Endrick remains under contract with Real Madrid until June 2030. Serie A sides AC Milan and Roma have reportedly shown strong interest, but club president Florentino Perez and the board are against allowing an early departure. Mourinho is determined to give the youngster more first-team chances.
Addressing rumors about his future and his relationship with Mourinho, Endrick said: "I take it day by day. If I have to leave in January, I’ll leave; if I stay, I stay. I’ll do whatever God puts in my heart. I’m very grateful to Mourinho; he’s one of the first coaches to genuinely speak to me. I trust him fully. While I’m here, my job is to play not just for the manager but for Real Madrid. Because of everything he’s done for me, I’ll fight for him and the team."
On the eve of the Roma game, Mourinho dismissed any chance of a winter exit: "Forget it. Forget any interested clubs. They’d better wait, or they’ll get tired. He’s a player I love, with incredible potential. He’s very important to us. Anyone interested will have a serious battle with me because I believe he doesn’t need another loan and will succeed greatly here."
Opportunity Awaits as Vinicius Faces Suspension
Endrick’s prospects of earning a regular starting spot just got brighter after Vinicius received a four-match domestic suspension for his red card against Villarreal. This could see the 20-year-old lead the attack when Madrid face Sevilla on October 18, then host RB Leipzig in Europe three days later. His sharp instincts will be key for the high-stakes El Clasico clash against Barcelona on October 24.
