Real Madrid Bound Endrick Pens Emotional Letter on How Football Became His Escape

The soccer world took notice as Real Madrid paid a staggering $64 million to sign 16-year-old striker Endrick from Palmeiras. Touted as the next big thing from the land of Samba, the now 17-year-old showed that he is no ordinary talent with a match-winning goal against England at Wembley yesterday. Doubters and critics of the move are now firmly in the hype train and want to know more about the young sensation. Interestingly, per the attacker, soccer is more than a sport and a means of upliftment for his family.

Endrick has written a heartfelt note to his 4-year-old brother Noah via the Players Tribune. And it showcases that Real Madrid has signed a player with a mentality that could rival or even exceed his prodigious talent!

Endrick reflects on how soccer became more than a game

For Endrick, life is good right now. However, this wasn’t always the case. There were difficult moments, but the family always had what was needed to get through. In his letter, the Brazilian star said, “We were always scraping by on the bare minimum. Dad says that I sat on the couch and told him, “Don’t worry. I’m gonna become a footballer, and I’m gonna take us out of this situation.”

Endrick added, “Before that day, I was just a kid, and football was just a game. After that day, football became our way to a better life.” Two weeks later, he left his hometown of Sao Paulo to join the Palmeiras academy. While Endrick’s father stayed at home, his mom accompanied him.

She would cook meals for Endrick, but there were certain days when they were short on cash. The Brazilian star recalls asking his mother for something to eat on such days only to be greeted with the message, “Just go to sleep, Endrick. Sleep will make it go away.” With Endrick reported as having a starting salary of more than $2 million at Los Blancos, finance is not a worry for the family. However, is Real Madrid a club that Endrick wanted to play for? Let’s find out.

Read More: Real Madrid Bound Endrick Declares Karim Benzema as ‘The Best Striker in the World’ – “He is a Spectacular Player”

A 5-year-old prophecy in the making

Endrick seems to have taken the phrase ‘reality can be whatever I want’ to a whole new level. Back in 2017, while still 11 years old, the left-footed attacker had already predicted a move to Real Madrid. His goals back then were to win the Copa Libertadores, win the World Cup, and join Real Madrid. After signing for the Spanish giants in December 2022, he has already achieved one of his goals.

However, the signing wasn’t exactly a straightforward one. PL giants Chelsea were interested and, at one point, were even ahead of Los Blancos per Endrick’s agent. However, the transfer fee put them off, and Real Madrid jumped at the chance. Will Chelsea be left to rue the decision? The initial signs are not looking favorable for the Blues.

Read More: “I Have Learned Many Things From Him” – Endrick Lauds Luis Suarez’s Impact & Contribution to ‘Brazilian Football’