Rodrygo: “I was nervous but I enjoyed it a lot”

Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo Goes talked to the press after making his first start for the club and his Champions League debut. Rodrygo revealed that he found out he was going to feature in the starting XI during the pre-match meeting where Zidane tells the players about the tactics and the lineup.

“I felt so happy for the chance he gave me. It’s a dream come true. I found out today when he told us the starting lineup. I was nervous but I enjoyed it a lot. I obviously wasn’t expecting to start, it surprised me,” admitted Rodrygo.

The young Brazilian player completed a solid and composed performance and contributed defensively. As he later revealed, that was one of Zidane’s requests.

“He told me to enjoy the game and to take care of my defensive duties. He also told me to play as I always do and to enjoy the game when I had the ball,” said the young attacker.

Rodrygo was asked to insist about his defensive work during the game.

“Yes, we needed that because it was an away game and a very tough atmosphere, we all worked a lot,” explained Rodrygo, who also said that he “will keep working every day.”

Rodrygo has been a pleasant surprise and could be a relevant player in Real Madrid’s right wing, especially now that Gareth Bale isn’t available yet.