Endrick hints at January Real Madrid exit after Roma comeback heroics
Endrick has left the door open to a January exit from Real Madrid despite delivering the decisive spark in a stunning Champions League turnaround against Roma.
The Brazilian striker said he will assess his situation “day by day” after playing a central role in Madrid’s 4-3 comeback victory. Madrid were 3-1 down after Marten de Roon scored and Donyell Malen struck twice, but Endrick’s arrival changed the contest.
Introduced in the 58th minute for Vinicius Junior, Endrick saw his header saved before Carlos Espi converted the rebound in the 83rd minute. He then headed in Arda Guler’s corner to level the match, with Antonio Rudiger scoring the stoppage-time winner.
The night also saw Kylian Mbappe become the youngest player to make 100 Champions League appearances, doing so at the age of 27.
Endrick addresses January uncertainty
Endrick had made only one competitive appearance this season before his Roma cameo, following his loan spell at Lyon. Although he is tied to Madrid until June 2030, AC Milan and Roma have been monitoring his position.
“If I need to leave in January, I will leave; if I need to remain, I will remain,” Endrick said. “I will follow what God puts in my heart. I am very thankful to Mourinho. He is among the first managers who has truly talked with me. I trust him completely.
“As long as I am here, my responsibility is not to help the coach win, but to help Real Madrid win. But after everything he has done for me, I will fight for him and for Real Madrid.”
Madrid president Florentino Perez and the club’s board do not want to approve an early departure, while Mourinho intends to give the former Palmeiras forward more first-team opportunities.
Mourinho had already dismissed suggestions of a winter move before the Roma game. “Forget about it,” he said. “Interested clubs should sit down or they will get tired standing around waiting. He is a player I love, with huge potential, and he matters a lot to us. Anyone who wants him will have a real battle with me.
“I do not think he needs another loan. He can have enormous success at this club.”
Surprise call, immediate impact
Endrick admitted he did not expect to be sent on so early against Roma, but said he was ready after a long spell without playing at the Bernabeu.
“I am very happy. It was a very tough match,” he said. “I was on the bench thanking God for being here. When the manager called me, I was surprised because it happened quite early. I had not played here for a long time, and I had a lot of hunger. That is what I brought and it went well.”
He said Mourinho’s instructions were simple: enjoy the occasion while keeping close to Roma’s No. 3. “That is exactly what I did,” Endrick added.
What happens next
Vinicius Junior’s four-match domestic suspension after his red card against Villarreal could open a direct route into the starting side for Endrick.
The 20-year-old may be asked to lead Madrid’s attack when Sevilla visit on October 18. RB Leipzig then travel to the Bernabeu three days later, before Madrid face Barcelona away in El Clasico on October 24.
