Real Madrid winger Rodrygo hopes Kylian Mbappe’s proposed transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu can be revived, reiterating that he does not feel comfortable playing as a striker for Los Blancos.
Madrid opted against signing an elite striker when club legend Karim Benzema left for Al-Ittihad in June, instead handing England sensation Jude Bellingham a free role in a new-look 4-3-1-2 system.
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical rethink has seen Brazil widemen Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo fielded as makeshift strikers, though Los Blancos have continued to be linked with a move for Mbappe.
Mbappe’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain – which he signed after rejecting interest from Madrid in 2022 – is due to expire next year, though there have been suggestions that he could pen a one-year extension.
Madrid are likely to be among the contenders for Mbappe’s signature if he does become a free agent, and Rodrygo would relish the opportunity to play with the 2018 World Cup winner.
Asked if he would welcome a move for the Frenchman in an interview with Cadena COPE, Rodrygo said: “Sure, not only Mbappe.
“He is a cracker and we want to play with the best. You have to ask the coach or the president about that.”
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— Rodrygo Goes (@RodrygoGoes) November 13, 2023
Rodrygo has struggled in his new role at times this season, enduring an 11-match goal drought between Madrid’s victories over Athletic Bilbao in August and Braga in October.
During October’s international break, the Brazilian gave an interview in which he outlined his dissatisfaction with his new role, saying: “I’ve always made it clear that I have a knack for playing on the wings. I simply don’t like playing as a number nine.”
However, the 22-year-old has found his shooting boots in recent weeks, scoring twice and providing two assists in Saturday’s 5-1 thrashing of Valencia in LaLiga.
Asked how he has gone about adapting to his new position, Rodrygo said: “I tried in every way, but things didn’t work out for me.
“I can’t blame something. I think it’s my fault. I do think it was somewhat difficult for me to play in the new position.
“I have been adapting and now the coach gives me more freedom to go to the wings and these games have gone a little better, playing with more freedom.
“The coach knows that I don’t like playing as a nine, but I do it for the team and for him too, because I believe in him. He already knew it and we had no problems.
“I have returned to my best version. In the last few games everything has gone well for me. I think I’m back.”
⭐ 5 star team! #RealMadridValencia pic.twitter.com/dr24PhGvPp
— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) November 12, 2023
Madrid’s rout of Valencia came despite the absence of injured star Bellingham, who has scored 13 goals in 14 games during an incredible start to life in Spain.
“He’s a phenomenon. It is already being seen,” Rodrygo said of his team-mate.
“He still doesn’t speak Spanish well and I speak little English, but we have a very good relationship. He is a very good kid. Everything he does turns out well now.”
