Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is reported to be determined not to play for the club ever again after growing unhappy with his role.
The whispers of dissatisfaction began to emerge last summer with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, raising questions about Rodrygo’s place on the team. Despite the Brazil international affirming his dedication to the club at that time, the pressure on Rodrygo is intensifying as he remains part of arguably the highest-profile forward line in global football.
As Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham continue to capture the limelight, reports have surfaced suggesting that Rodrygo’s frustration has grown due to his perceived role as a backup and the treatment he receives from the media and some club insiders.
Following these reports, inquiries arose when Rodrygo didn’t take the field in Madrid’s 4-3 loss to Barcelona. While the official explanation cited fitness issues, MARCA reports that Rodrygo’s decision not to play was the actual reason for his absence.
Not only is Rodrygo considering leaving this summer, but he is not looking to play again this season after seeing his relationship with Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham sour drastically due to the ongoing pressure and controversy.
Rodrygo is said to be angry with his situation, believing he is under-appreciated and targeted by unfair scrutiny when his role is often just to complement his teammates.
Madrid are open to cutting ties with Rodrygo as it stands, but the final decision will be left to incoming manager Xabi Alonso.
With all this going on in the background, current boss Carlo Ancelotti reiterated that Rodrygo’s absence was down to a fitness issue, but confessed the winger is “not well emotionally”.
“Rodrygo has had a fever that hasn’t allowed him to perform at his best,” Ancelotti told the media on Tuesday. “Today in training, he had a discomfort in his leg. I don’t know which leg. And he wasn’t well; he didn’t recover well from the fever.
“Afterwards, there was a lot of speculation about this. Everyone has a special affection for Rodrygo, especially me. When a player isn’t well, he’s not well emotionally. He wants to show his quality, to help the team. It’s normal.”
