Real Madrid has no comparison, says Rodrygo

Real Madrid-bound teenager Rodrygo has revealed he is already seeking advice from fellow Brazilians Marcelo, Casemiro and Vinicius Junior about how to adapt quickly to life at the Bernabeu.

The Santos forward, who turns 18 next month, is expected to move to the Spanish capital this summer, a year after Real Madrid signed him in a deal, reports Xinhua news agency.

"It's the biggest club in the world. There is no comparison," Rodrygo told reporters here, where he is training with Brazil's under-20 squad ahead of the South American championship in Chile next month.

"I'm looking forward to playing alongside Vini, Marcelo, who is a sensational guy too, Casemiro... I'm already talking with them and they are giving me a lot of advice," he added.

Rodrygo, who scored 12 goals in 58 appearances across all competitions for Santos in 2018, had high praise for the Brazilian club's new coach, Jorge Sampaoli.

The 58-year-old Argentine joined Santos this week, replacing Cuca, who stepped down last month because of health problems. It is Sampaoli's first coaching job since July, when he parted ways with Argentina following the team's last 16 exit from the World Cup in Russia.

"Sampaoli is going to be very good for the club. He is a very experienced coach. He did a very good job as manager of the Chilean national team, winning the Copa America (in 2015). I hope he can be happy at Santos and help us to win a lot of titles."

--IANS

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