After months of speculation, Rodrygo Goes has finally broken his silence about the mysterious absence that kept him away from Real Madrid’s squad during the final stretch of last season. In an exclusive conversation with Diario AS, the Brazilian forward clarified that his absence had nothing to do with injury or illness — instead, it stemmed from an intense personal struggle that deeply affected his mental well-being.
The Disappearance That Sparked Questions
Rodrygo, who had been one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most trusted attackers, suddenly disappeared from the starting lineup around April. His unexpected withdrawal during the first half of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona raised eyebrows across the football world. After that match, he never appeared again until the season officially ended.
“Honestly, that period was incredibly difficult for me,” Rodrygo confessed. “I didn’t talk to anyone about what I was going through. Nobody really knew how bad things were. Both physically and mentally, I was not in the right condition to play.”
His words shed light on a side of football rarely discussed — the emotional and psychological pressures that top players endure behind the scenes.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Compassion Became a Turning Point
According to Rodrygo, Carlo Ancelotti played a pivotal role during his lowest moments. Rather than pushing him to play through the pain, the Italian manager prioritized his player’s mental recovery over immediate results.
“The coach saw me every day and understood that I wasn’t ready to step on the pitch,” Rodrygo explained. “He realized that I was struggling as a human being, not just as a footballer. He told me, ‘Take your time, don’t rush — you’re not ready to play right now.’”
At first, Rodrygo admitted that he tried to push through the difficulties. But eventually, he recognized that Ancelotti’s decision was the right one. “Looking back, I’m deeply grateful to him. He knew I needed to heal as a person before I could perform as a player again,” he added.
The 23-year-old also credited Davide Ancelotti and the rest of Madrid’s coaching staff, along with his family, for providing emotional support during his recovery period. “Their encouragement meant everything to me. Without them, I wouldn’t have regained my confidence,” he said.
Fully Recovered and Ready for a New Chapter
Now, with a refreshed mind and renewed motivation, Rodrygo is eager to reclaim his place under Xabi Alonso, who has taken charge of Madrid’s new tactical setup. The winger expressed his determination to contribute wherever he’s needed — whether starting or coming off the bench.
“So far, the coach has used me mostly on the left wing, which is fine by me,” Rodrygo shared. “I just want to help the team. I’m ready to play in any position and give everything when I’m on the pitch.”
Competition for playing time remains fierce, especially with Vinícius Júnior occupying a similar role. Yet Rodrygo sees that as motivation rather than a threat. “It’s normal at a club like Real Madrid. You have to fight every day to earn your spot,” he said confidently.
A Stronger Mindset and a Brighter Future
Today, Rodrygo describes himself as a completely different person — stronger, calmer, and more focused than ever. “What I feel now is pure happiness and excitement,” he smiled. “That dark chapter taught me a lot about resilience, patience, and the importance of mental health.”
With his confidence restored and his passion reignited, Rodrygo looks forward to a new season filled with promise. Fans of Los Blancos are hopeful that this new version of the Brazilian star — one who has overcome adversity with maturity and courage — will become a key figure in Madrid’s pursuit of glory both in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
BACA JUGA :
