Brazilian forward Endrik joined French side Lyon on loan for the remainder of the season after receiving advice from former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Endrick, 19, rose to prominence under Ancelotti’s guidance but has barely played this season under Ancelotti’s successor, Xabi Alonso.
“Yes, I talked about it with Carlo. He gave me instructions on what I can do and what I need to do to improve. And it really touched me,” Endrick said at the presentation in Lyon on Monday. “His advice was to leave[Real Madrid]and go to a place where I can play and develop my football and where I can play and be happy. Of course, this decision is mine, but Carlo also played a part, because he is a great coach.”
Endrik made just three appearances for Madrid this season. He said he was able to use his time meaningfully instead of feeling frustrated.
“No, to be honest, what I want to say to my loved ones is that the last few months have been the best of my career,” Endrick said through an interpreter. “I had time to be with my wife and build a home and a life.”
Endrik joins Lyon, who are growing under Portuguese manager Paulo Fonseca and are fifth in Ligue 1, two points behind third. Fonseca’s presence at the club was also a factor.
“The fact that the technical staff is Portuguese is very good, because I was already being coached by the Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira at Palmeiras,” he said. “That’s good for me because I know how they work. That was a plus point.”
Last season under Ancelotti, now the Brazilian manager, Endrik scored seven goals in 37 games and attracted attention for his speed and dribbling ability.
There is a possibility that he will be reunited with Ancelotti at the World Cup later this year. Endrick scored three goals for Brazil last year, including against England and Spain.
He started his career with São Paulo-based Palmeiras, scoring 21 goals in 82 games and scoring 21 goals in 82 games. “Dream” transfer to Madrid.
Connection with Brazilians
Lyon has a long history of good Brazilian players.
Among the recent ones, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno GuimarãesHe is currently an established Premier League midfielder with West Ham and Newcastle respectively.
Players such as forwards Fred, Nirmar and Giovane Herbel, midfielder Edmilson and defenders Chris and Rafael all made their mark.
But it was Juninho, the midfield maestro, who was most famous.
He established himself as perhaps Europe’s best free-kick taker on his way to 100 goals for Lyon from 2001 to 2008. ___
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