Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar wants him to inherit the Brazil No. 10 jersey.
Like Neymar, Rodrygo began his career at Brazilian club Santos.
The 21 year old Rodrygo has earned five caps for Brazil and is expected to make Tite’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Neymar has previously revealed that the 2022 World Cup could be his last and it seems he wants Rodrygo to inherit the Brazil No.10 shirt.
“Neymar said to me ‘I’m already leaving the national team and the 10 is yours,'” Rodrygo told Podpah.
“I didn’t even know what to say to him. I was embarrassed, I giggled and didn’t even know what to say properly.
“I told him that he must play some more, that I didn’t want [him] to [do so] now. And then he laughed.”
Rodrygo also revealed Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believe he’s destined for greatness.
“[Former Real Madrid coach Zinedine] Zidane said that one day I would be the best in the world,” Rodrygo said.
“[Real Madrid coach Carlo] Ancelotti also spoke about me. I try to train and evolve every day to get there. I was very happy.
“I have this dream and I know that if I dedicate myself every day I can get there.”
Rodrygo joined Real Madrid as a 17 year old from Santos for €45million and he has revealed Barcelona also wanted him.
Rodrygo revealed his father already reached an agreement with Barcelona and all that was remaining was his signature.
He revealed he told his father that he would wait for the offer from Real Madrid.
When the offer from Real Madrid arrived, Rodrygo revealed to Mundo Deportivo how he made the decision to sign for Real Madrid.
“I came home after a game. I had a Real Madrid shirt in my house and my father came into my room with that shirt and another from Barcelona and told me, now, choose and I chose the Real Madrid one.”
Rodrygo revealed what Marcelo and Nacho told him after his debut with Real Madrid.
“In my debut with Real Madrid, in the preseason, I scored a free-kick against Bayern and I celebrated it.
“When I got to the locker room, Marcelo and Nacho told me ‘if you’re losing and scoring, take the ball and go to the center of the field, don’t celebrate it’.”
