Endrick thanks God, Ronlado, and Vini as Madrid presents him before 43,000 fans on Saturday
Real Madrid’s latest star signing, Brazilian teenager Endrick, was brought to tears as he spoke to 43,000 fans present at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu for his official presentation as a player for the club.
The 18-year-old forward took to the stage and thanked fans in fluent Spanish, unable to hide the emotions of the occasion as he cried while his father, Douglas Ramos, in the crowd was also in tears, before he eventually joined his son on stage alongside his wider family.
“Since I was a kid I have always been a Real Madrid fan, and now I’m a Real Madrid player,” the new signing said, before kissing the club crest on his jersey and kicking balls into the crowd.
In the morning, Endrick had attended the club’s training facilities at Valdebebas, where he underwent a medical examination and officially signed his contract to become a Real Madrid player.
During this session, it was also announced that he would wear the number 16 jersey in his first season. In doing so, he replaces Álvaro Odriozola, who was the last man to wear that number for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid announced a deal with Palmeiras to sign Endrick in December 2022, some 20 months before he was officially presented in the Spanish capital. His arrival was delayed due to FIFA rules on the signing of minors, which prohibited him from arriving until he reached 18 years of age, last Sunday, July 21st.
The transfer has been estimated to have a value of €35 million ($38 million) guaranteed for the Brazilian outfit, which could rise to as much as €60 million ($65.2 million) according to bonuses and add-ons.
Los Blancos beat off competition from Spanish rivals Barcelona as well as other European giants including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea to seal Endrick’s signature.
When asked why he broke into tears at his presentation, the teenage striker added: “I hadn’t planned it, but I’ve loved Real Madrid since I was a kid. I saw Cristiano Ronaldo and because of him, I wanted to know a bit more about Real Madrid.
“Years ago I looked up all the idols, also Butragueño. Since I was a child I was in love with Real Madrid. I didn’t want to cry, but it came from my soul.”
Endrick even went on to insist that he hopes to stay at Real Madrid his entire life, saying: “I’ve always wanted Real Madrid. I’ve been singing for a long time. I hope to stay here for the rest of my life.
On his teammates
Endrick will be sharing the dressing room with three other Brazilians in the form of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, and Eder Militao.
Discussing the support he has received from them, he said: “They have helped me a lot. They also told me about Real Madrid. They told me about the training sessions, the matches. I was focused on the Copa America, but I hope we can talk even more and we can have a strong friendship to help Madrid.”
On whether he feels the pressure of playing for Real Madrid at the tender age of only 18, Endrick insisted that he is ready for the responsibility and will rely on his seniors for help.
“If God has given me this responsibility, it’s because he knows that I can be here. Now I have to learn, to work. And God willing, I’ll always have the advice of Vini, of Courtois… What I have to do is learn. The more I learn, the better,” he said.
