Rodrygo of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
March 2nd was the fateful day that Rodrygo suffered a devastating and season-ending cruciate ligament injury, and six months have already passed.
The player missed the FIFA World Cup, and even the first half of the new season owing to his setback.
While that would be a massive mental blow for any other player, Rodrygo has not allowed it to control him and continues to work hard to return to the field at the earliest. After all, it was only the latest in a long list of hurdles he had already overcome in his career.
A special plan
As confirmed in a recent update by Diario AS, Rodrygo is coupling his ACL recovery with an important ‘Body Recomposition’ programme for his physical and emotional improvement.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid
Rodrygo is out with a long-term injury. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The technique consists of reducing his body fat percentage while simultaneously improving his muscle mass – ultimately ensuring that his body weight stays at the status quo.
Rodrygo has already been working in the gym for months now, and the results are visible. He is already seen to be more muscular than before, and that is expected to make him a stronger force on the field while also lowering the risk of a recurrence.
Scheduled date of return
With the winger’s return going well, the Spanish outlet reports that doctors are insisting he delay his return to the field until January, after the Christmas break.
The Spanish Super Cup scheduled for February, in their professional opinion, is the best stage for Rodrygo to return to high-intensity football.
Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid
A huge fight remains ahead of the winger after his return. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Rodrygo, however, does not want to wait as long as he is pushing for a return even earlier. He dreams of making his comeback in the Cup game on December 16th, and it remains to be seen which date eventually works out.
When he does make his eventual return, however, the Brazilian winger will face tough competition for a starting spot on the right wing.
After all, Arda Guler, Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz are all competing for the same spot.
The alternative option would be for him to serve as the deputy for Vinicius Jr. on the left flank, a role that is currently up for grabs.
Barcelona midfielder Rodri reveals why he did not join Real Madrid: ‘I made my decision based on..’
Rodri, Barcelona player
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Spanish National Team captain Rodri was one of Real Madrid’s top midfield targets in the recently concluded summer transfer window, and there was even a point when the club were said to have a verbal agreement with the player over a move.
As the days rolled by, however, talks stagnated and Rodri grew distant from Los Blancos, only to eventually find himself linked to their arch rivals – Barcelona.
Having multiple national team comrades in Catalonia, he eventually opted to sign for Hansi Flick’s side and has enjoyed a good start to life with the Blaugrana.
Rodri’s interview
Opening up to Mundo Deportivo in a recent interview, the World Cup-winning captain was asked about his decision to sign for Barcelona this summer and how Real Madrid actually stood in the race.
The veteran replied by explaining how Los Blancos were indeed a serious option he considered.
Rodri of Manchester City
Real Madrid were interested in signing the former Manchester City midfielder. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“Saying ‘NO’ to Real Madrid was not easy, especially since they treated me so well.”
“I had to consider a lot of things and make a really important decision involving two of the best clubs in the world,” he added on his dilemma at the time.
Rodri then admitted that it was the sporting aspect that formed the foundation of his eventual decision.
“I made my decision based on sporting aspects, on what excited me more and where I felt I could win and grow the most as a player.”
Rodri was then asked about Jose Mourinho publicly stating that he had a phone call with the player, to which the player began his response with doubt towards the legitimacy of the claim.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Mourinho personally spoke to Rodri. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“I don’t think that it’s his style to reveal a private conversation, but he clearly expressed his desire for me to join the club and told me what I could bring to the team. He treated me very well.”
The Spaniard also explained how he professionally informed Real Madrid and Mourinho after making his final decision to sign for Barcelona.
“When I made my decision, I called him to thank him for his interest and for how he treated me.”
“I think he’s a tremendous coach, and he has already proven that in every club he has been to in his spectacular career,” he added on the Portuguese coach.