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Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has insisted that he was never close to leaving the Spanish side this summer despite being extensively linked with a move to the Premier League.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City were all put forward as options for the Brazilian, who has fallen down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso. But the 24-year-old has insisted that he didn't want to leave and never had any intention of departing.
"I'm used to it; every year they say I’m leaving. During the transfer window, every week I was on a different team," Rodrygo told TNT Sports Brazil after Real Madrid's Champions League win over Marseille this week.
"I even joked with my parents and friends: 'Look, today I'm on this one, tomorrow I’m on that one.' Every week I was on a different team, but, as I said, I was very calm mentally and it didn’t affect me at all.
"I continued enjoying my vacation, training because I knew this was where I would continue.
"Well, in the end, I'm still at home, in the place I always dreamed of being. I'll continue giving my all every day I wear this shirt."
While Liverpool didn't move for Rodrygo, the Reds did confirm some other big deals. Alexander Isak, who made his debut yesterday against Atletico Madrid, broke the British transfer record while big money was also spent on Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Rodrygo has fallen behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Franco Mastantuono under Alonso. But the winger started against Marseille midweek, playing just over an hour, and is willing to fight for his spot.
"I train and dedicate myself every day, waiting for opportunities," Rodrygo added. "He's [Alonso] been changing a lot, he’s been playing differently in every game.
"He started the season by putting me more on the left, but everyone knows I can play inside and on the right, as I always have.
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"I'm slowly getting back into my form, after everything I've been through. I went through a very difficult time at the end of last season.
"I want to thank my family for being there for me during this time. I want to thank Mr. Ancelotti, because he knows better than anyone what I've been through and he's helped me a lot."
Liverpool.com says: Rodrygo is a top-class player and while he isn't getting enough game time at Real Madrid, that situation could change in the future. He was only ever going to say that he is happy there at this point, though, as saying anything else would make it a major story.
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