Brazilian wonderkid Endrick has admitted that he was influenced to join Real Madrid ahead of PSG, Barcelona and Chelsea so that he could follow in his 'idol' Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps.
The £51m winger also revealed that his 'friend' Vinicius Jr played a part in convincing him to move to the Bernabeu from Palmeiras by sending him texts that 'gave me more hope'.
Los Blancos beat off strong competition from Europe's top clubs to sign the 16-year-old in a deal that could reach £62million with over £10million in taxes yet to be added.
Although Real Madrid have now confirmed the move he will still remain with current Brazilian side Palmeiras until his departure in just over 18 months' time.
Current rules surrounding transfers mean Endrick cannot join the Spanish champions until then but Madrid will now be delighted they have got a future agreement over the line.
After playing in an annual charity match organised by Brazil legend Zico, Endrick revealed his reasons for joining the Spanish giants.
'Real Madrid are a very big team. Vini had sent me messages and gave me more hope,' he told MARCA.
'Cristiano also, who is my idol, played for Real Madrid. That's why I chose Real Madrid and I think it's the right choice. God has always been with me and he has told me that it is the best way.'
Before being interviewed, Endrick had scored a hat-trick in front of more than 60,000 fans during the charity match - but he later admitted it was for fun and he was not taking it seriously.
Ahead of his move, Endrick says he has spoken to Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilians in the Madrid squad including Vinicius, Eder Militao and Rodrygo.
He first announced himself to scouts across the world after notching a stunning return of 165 goals in 169 games for Palmeiras' youth side, and he has already netted five times in four appearances while representing his country's U-16 team.
The left-footed forward is Palmeiras' youngest ever player, having made his debut at the age of 16 years and 16 days, and has already scored three goals for the club in Brazil's top tier.
Madrid similarly signed a then 16-year-old Vinicius Jr from Flamengo in a deal worth €39m in 2017, making him the second most expensive signing from the Brazilian league in history.
And in 2018, Los Blancos went on to sign 17-year-old Rodrygo from Santos.
Kingval60
151
That's why he is call the goat 🐐 of football many young players inherit from him
itz_me_ojei
93
Karim Benzema: “I still remember the 2018 Champions League final, as it was during the blessed month of Ramadan. I sat with myself and thought that it was a fateful match against Liverpool and I must be 100% ready, so I decided not to fast. While I was in the hotel, he knocked on the door of my room, I opened the door, and I found Cristiano Ronaldo holding a plate of food and a bottle of water in his hand, and he told me this is your suhoor. Do not break your fast, I will take care of the match and you will take care of your fast. Cristiano Ronaldo was everyone's best friend in Madrid." 🔥
DavidDaevchinyama
78
Is this the same boy who talked about Messi being Goat and later deleted it because Madrid fans started crying
eggosa91
39
well he can play with his idol next season 🌝 # madrista 🤍#Ronaldo #GoAT
Amgnonijunior
33
Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Endrick, Camavinga and Tchouameni. what a great young stars Real Madrid have😳😳... they're futures of Real Madrid. Big big talented kids