Rodrygo has revealed that he visited Pele's house to receive the Brazil legend's blessing before joining Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old made his name at Santos before joining Madrid in 2019, scoring 10 goals in 49 appearances for the club which Pele also represented for the vast majority of his playing career.
Neymar and Robinho are among the other star names to have swapped Santos for a major European club in the past, and Rodrygo acknowledged that the duo - in addition to Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo - acted as inspirations for him.
"Cristiano [Ronaldo] and Neymar are sources of inspiration, they're two players I'm a big fan of. Pele, Neymar and Robinho mean a lot to me and to my favourite team, too, which is Santos," Rodrygo told DAZN.
"Neymar was the one I followed most, but thank God I had the opportunity to meet all three of them. Even before I came to Madrid, I went to Pele's house and received his blessing before I left. Real Madrid is like Vila Belmiro [Santos' stadium], a dream for me.
"A dream come true. Anyone who knows me knows that. My big dream was to play here; I always watched the matches. I have a very good relationship with [manager Zinedine Zidane], he welcomed me very well.
"He knew the right moment to put me on the pitch and how to prepare for it. He helps me, advises me and tells me where and how to improve. He also highlights what I do well."
Rodrygo has made 18 appearances for Real Madrid so far, scoring seven goals and assisting two more.
Barney Corkhill
