Rodrygo: “The Champions League is special for me because I have done well in it”

Rodrygo was interviewed by Uefa's official media channel, where he analysed the match against Atlético at the Metropolitano, in the return leg of the last 16 of the Champions League: “I often say that the Champions League is a competition that I love and that I have always done well in it. It's special for me because I tend to do very well. I'm having an incredible season in the Champions League and I want to continue helping my team even more.”

Playoff tie against Manchester City
“The victory against Manchester City was a very important. They were a very difficult side and we've played against them every year. The games are always hard fought, tough for both teams but this year we were much better. We really took control and that has boosted our confidence for the rest of the season.”

Marid derby in last 16
“The games against Atlético have a different atmosphere because they're derbies, they're the two biggest teams in the city. The atmosphere is usually different and it's always special to play against them.”

Connection with the team
“Playing with Mbappé and Vini Jr. is very special, it's a dream to play with such great players and to be part of that attack. Every day we connect better, we get to know each other better and we play better. This is just the beginning because we still have a beautiful story to write as a front-three.”

Ancelotti
“We have a special relationship and he's a person who has helped me a lot since the first day he arrived. I remember the first training sessions and all the advice he gave me. What I learnt from him in football and what I try to replicate in my personal life is how to treat people. He's a fantastic human being, he treats everyone very well and we know that the role he has as a coach is very challenging because he has to manage a group with so many players. He always tries to maintain a balance, he always treats everyone kindly and with respect.”

Modrić
“We've always had a very good relationship and it's funny that he's the same age as my father, so he calls me son and I call him dad. We have a very good relationship and I'm a big fan of him as a player and as a person. He always helps me every day.”

“We were playing against Chelsea in the Champions League and he told me when I got the ball I should attack the space, he was going to find me. Modrić was always one of my favourite players, I'd always dreamed of playing with him.”

His family
“My father has always helped me a lot and has been my greatest role model. Nowadays, he's the one who guides my career and advises me, he's the person I listen to the most, apart from my coach. Someone who inspires me outside of football is my mother because she made a lot of sacrifices to get me to where I am. The people outside football are the ones who provide us with a lot of support. My mother, my father and my friends are the people who are always with me, who follow my everyday life, know my struggles and sacrifices. I hope that I can repay them one day for everything they have done for me and I'm very grateful for everything.”

Real Madrid and the city
“I love Madrid and I love living here. It's my favourite city along with Sao Paulo and Santos, the places where I come from. It's always been my dream to live here too, I always had the dream of playing for Real Madrid, so I'm really happy.”