45 Thousand at the Presentation and a Number in Honor of His Father: Endrick Finally Joins Real Madrid
A New Brazilian Talent
Endrick has officially become a Real Madrid player. The 18-year-old Brazilian super-talent was signed in 2022 but only joined Madrid after becoming an adult.
On Saturday, the Brazilian was presented at Santiago Bernabéu.
An Emotional Presentation: Endrick Fulfilled the Dream of Both Himself and His Father
Real Madrid’s official channel reported that 45,000 people attended Endrick’s presentation—understandably fewer than the 80,000 for Mbappé's presentation but significantly more than the 25,000 for Vinícius or the 20,000 for Rodrygo.
Endrick took the number 16 jersey at his new club.
The number holds special significance for the player's family, as revealed by Endrick’s father after the official announcement of his son's move to Real Madrid.
"In 2015-2016, I was building a house out of drywall while wearing a jersey with the number 16. In 2022, my son made his professional debut with the same number and jersey I wore in that photo. Today, he signed with Madrid. His age? The same number — 16," confessed Douglas Sousa.
During the presentation, Florentino Pérez called Endrick a player destined to play for Real Madrid. To emphasize this, a video clip showing an 11-year-old Endrick expressing his dream of one day joining Madrid was shown on the screen.
Approaching the podium to give his speech, Endrick burst into tears as he heard the Santiago Bernabéu stands chanting his name.
"I'm sorry. It's hard for me to hold back my emotions. Today, I fulfilled my dream. I didn't expect to see so many people at my presentation, and I'm very grateful to everyone who came. I promise to give everything for Madrid," said the player.
Then, as is customary, he kissed the badge, smiled, and took many photos in front of the 15 Champions League trophies.
Endrick was nervous, so Pérez supported the young player by holding his hand.
The most emotional reaction came from the player's father.
According to As Endrick once promised his father that he would become a professional footballer to lift his family out of poverty. Endrick's parents used to sell coffee in the subway when they couldn't afford food.
Their son kept his word.
Published by Patrick Jane
29.07.2024