Real Madrid future star Endrick talks Pele, Ronaldo comparisons, Copa America, Olympics, pressure | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s much-anticipated summer signing Endrick is already a hero in the world of football. Just 17 years of age, he is already considered one of football’s fastest upcoming stars, has multiple sponsorships, a deal to join the biggest team in the world and has made his debut for the Brazilian National Team.

The youngster visited the club facilities earlier this month and met with his to-be teammates. He is expected to link up with Real Madrid immediately after the season ends and will be available for pre-season under Carlo Ancelotti.

Speaking about his call-up to the Brazilian National Team in November where he featured in Brazil’s defeats to Colombia and Argentina, the youngster revealed the excitement he had when he first found out about the call-up.

“With the senior team, it was very important, a moment I didn’t expect. Some of them were because they were going through a very good time. I was waiting for the pre-Olympic team and my father sent me the photo.”

“Just as I’ve been once, I think I can go more and I hope I’ll be in the duels against England and Spain,” he added.

Looking ahead to the Olympic game qualifiers that Brazil’s U23 team will be participating in over the next two weeks, the to-be Real Madrid player was confident of his team’s chances.

“We are adapting to the game to face the first game on the 23rd. I think it’s going to be a good tournament and we’re going to get the ticket to the Olympic Games.”

It is not easy being in the 17-year-old’s shoes, for he is already compared with the greats of the game at a tender age. Speaking about the pressure that came with his talent, Endrick said,

“There are things that happen and there are people who talk and say, it’s the new Pelé, the new Ronaldo. I want to be Endrick and for me what is talked about I don’t care.”

“Now I have a great responsibility, I’m going to put up with the pressure because I know that I can help my family and I also want to encourage other young people,” he added.

With both the Olympics and the Copa America scheduled to take place later this year, the youngster protege made his choice between the two competitions and revealed which one he desired more.

“The Olympic Games are a dream for me, there is also the Copa América. If I have the strength and capacity to be there, I’m not thinking about the Games for now.”

“If I am not called up for the Copa América then I will think about the Games, which is the closest championship. First, you have to conquer the Pre-Olympic,” he added.

Finally, the Palmeiras star was asked about the secret behind his strong legs, to which he said,

“I like to train my legs in the gym. I have strong legs, it’s pure genetics.”

Source: AS