Real Madrid’s forgotten man Endrick is determined to repay Jose Mourinho for his backing but has not ruled out leaving the Santiago Bernabeu in January.
The Brazil international has joined up with his national team ahead of international friendlies against Japan and Singapore and will be hoping to get some game time after a frustrating spell in the Spanish capital.
An injury sustained in August saw him miss four weeks and he has struggled to make an impact since then. He has started just one game this season, the victory over Sevilla, and has managed a combined 140 minutes of action in all competitions.
Endrick spent the second half of last season on loan at Lyon and has not ruled out a move this January either.
He said: “I’m only 20 years old, so I’ll see how things develop. I just want to play, be happy and help my team-mates.
“I don’t know what will happen in January, that’s in God’s hands. I only ask for the best for my career. Whatever is meant to happen, will happen. I will keep my feet on the ground and continue to give my best. Madrid is a wonderful city, my family is there, but I will always do whatever it takes to advance in my career.”
The former Palmeiras forward was quick to stress, however, there had been no falling out with Mourinho over his lack of playing time.
“I have a lot of faith in Mourinho,” he added. “Every day he contacts me, not to talk about football, but to ask about my personal life. I will always give everything for Real Madrid because the club is above everything, but with the affection and attention that Mourinho shows me… I am even more motivated to give everything.”
Endrick behind Real Madrid superstar Mbappe
Summer signing Yan Diomande’s impact at Madrid has made life more difficult for Endrick, who is also behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe in the pecking order.
“You know full well who we’ve got there [in the number nine position] – he’s the second-best player in the world according to the latest Ballon d’Or,” Endrick said of Mbappe.
“And we know who Kylian is. Whenever I get the chance at Real – and I did just recently after the last international break – I try to perform to the best of my ability. I’ve come on in matches for five minutes, or 10 minutes… The games where I played for the longest were against Roma and AEK Athens.
“Those were moments I made the most of. I know it’s not easy.”
Real Madrid boss Mourinho eager for Endrick to get minutes with Brazil
Endrick came on for the last five minutes against Valencia at the weekend and Mourinho admitted his frustration that he couldn’t give him more due to the depth of his squad.
The Portuguese said: “It makes me angry how many great players I have that I can’t play or start every game.
“Just look at who’s going [to the Brazil national team] with Carlo [Ancelotti]: Vinícius [Júnior,] who must play; Endrick, and if Carlo plays him, I’ll be grateful.”
