Feeling Dear Playing Together Neymar In The 2022 World Cup, Rodrygo: I Grew Up Watching Him At Santos Stadium

Rodrygo Goes (Instagram @rodrygo)

JAKARTA - Rodrygo is preparing for his first World Cup and he is delighted to be playing with players like Neymar.

The Real Madrid young striker praised Neymar's leadership and also recalled the fact that he used to watch Neymar play when he was in Santos.

"I'm a little nervous, but that's normal," he said during a press conference on Thursday, quoted by Marca.

Veterans are helping us by sharing their experiences and we young players are trying to learn from them.

There's a good mix here between veterans and young players.

"Neymar has always been a leader, even since he was in Santos, and it's the same here.

"He makes young players feel confident and we know how much quality he has."

"It is an honor for me to play with him because he is an idol for me and until now. I grew up going to the stadium watching him play."

Brazil is logically one of the favorites in the World Cup this time, but Rodrygo doesn't pay much attention to that.

"We know that we have a great team and we are among the favorites, but there are other teams that are really good too," he said.

"Being a favorite means nothing as soon as you take to the field. You have to prove it."

Meanwhile, although most hoped Rodrygo would join Brazil's squad for Qatar, he was not sure until he heard Tite's name.

"It was one of the best moments of my life, something I've always dreamed of," he recalls.

"The coach mentioned my name and now I'm here to give a World Cup press conference. It's special."

The young man doesn't know if he will start, but reveals that no one knows his line-up.

"I want to know, but the coach hasn't said anything," said Rodrygo.

"He told us that we are all the same and that we all have to be ready. No one knows who will start."