Rodrygo backs himself to become 'best in the world' | OneFootball

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo believes he can become the 'best in the world' over the coming years.

After initially struggling to shine at the Santiago Bernabeu following a €45m move from Santos, the 21-year-old enjoyed a more prominent role last season, making 49 appearances in all competitions and scoring nine goals.

This included a game-winning brace off the bench in Real's Champions League semi-final comeback victory against Manchester City.

Although he has a long way to go to replicate the numbers of the elite group of forwards in world football, Rodrygo revealed to ESPN that he is confident of bridging the gap.

"[Zinedine] Zidane said that one day I would be the best in the world. Ancelotti also spoke. I try to train and evolve every day to get there," he said.

"I was very happy. I have this dream and I know that if I dedicate myself each day I can get there."

Listen now to 90min's brand new podcast, Talking Transfers, with , Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth. On their most packed show to date, the guys discuss Liverpool's signing of Darwin Nunez, how Marc Roca joining Leeds could allow Kalvin Phillips to depart for long-time admirers Manchester City, the latest on Manchester United’s pursuits of Frenkie de Jong & Antony and much more.

Rodrygo has already earned five caps for Brazil, and he went on to explain that national icon Neymar - who also came through the ranks at Santos - has promised to give him the famous number ten shirt at international level when he retires.

"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 has to play some more, that I didn't want to now and stuff. And then he had a laugh," he added.