Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has issued an emotional message on social media amid rumours linking him with a summer move to Arsenal.
Spanish publication Marca have reported that the Brazilian’s discontent at Real has increased throughout the 2024/25 season. Despite featuring in 50 matches across all competitions, with 38 starts, his role has changed due to the high-profile acquisitions of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, leading to tactical adjustments by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti had to justify Rodrygo’s absence from two crucial fixtures, including their El Clasico match against Barcelona earlier this month, attributing it to illness and injury.
However, rumours had already started to swirl, with suggestions that the winger had made a drastic decision never to play for Real again.
The Guardian later claimed that Arsenal, along with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, are being ‘attentive’ to the situation and are ready to pounce if tensions rise further over the summer.
And Rodrygo sent a message on Saturday amid a potential departure from the Spanish giants. On his Instagram stories, he posted a video of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd alongside a teary-eyed emoji and a white love heart emoji.
This was most likely a reference to the departure of Luka Modric, who was bidding an emotional farewell after 13 years in Madrid.. Though he could also be referencing the atmosphere at the stadium and hinting at a possible exit for himself.
Rodrygo has previously revealed that he could have joined Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Liverpool before a move to Spain came about in 2018.
“We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good,” the winger said one year ago.
“The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football.
“It had always been my dream to play in Europe. Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club.
“And that’s what happened. I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos.
“But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool.”
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.
