Carlo Ancelotti said Indrik “To enjoy the moment” as the Brazilian striker visits Madrid ahead of his move to Real Madrid next summer.
Endrik, 17, traveled to Madrid on Friday to visit the club’s Valdebebas training ground and will attend the match. La Liga Villarreal match on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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The teenager excelled in Palmeiras’ victory in the Brazilian league title this month, and scored the goal that secured the title in a 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro on December 7, raising his tally to 11 league goals in 31 matches this season.
“My advice is to enjoy the moment and enjoy what is happening,” Ancelotti said in a press conference on Saturday. He added: “He is developing very well. We are happy that he will be our player from July.”
“He came to visit us to watch the match, and we talked to him a little. But we have to wait until July.”
Real Madrid have confirmed their agreement to sign Indrek in December 2022 in a deal worth a total of 72 million euros ($78.6 million) including variables and taxes, but they will have to wait until he turns 18 – in July 2024 – before signing him.
After a difficult start to 2023, he starred with Palmeiras throughout the year, and made his debut with the Brazilian national team last month, playing in the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
“He is still learning Spanish,” Ancelotti said. “He is a happy boy with what he has been able to achieve [so far]. He did a good job for his team, they won titles. He’s enjoying the moment, and now he’s focused on what he has to do with [Brazil] Olympic team now. We will wait for him until July.”
Real Madrid entered the 2023-24 season with Joselu as their only recognized centre-forward – leaving the No.9 shirt vacant – and coach Ancelotti preferring an all-Brazilian striker, when available, Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo goes.
Ancelotti has been linked with a move to Brazil himself, to take charge of the national team next summer, and refused to withdraw on Saturday due to reports that Madrid are set to offer him a contract extension beyond June 2024.
“I already have my own [Christmas] “The present one is the coach of Real Madrid,” he said.[The players] You can give me my gift tomorrow and win the game. I’m just thinking about doing well in these last two games [of 2023] And have a peaceful Christmas.”
“If the club is happy, then I’m happy too,” Ancelotti added when asked about renewal prospects. “There’s no rush and no problems.”
Real Madrid hosts Villarreal on Sunday in second place in the Spanish League table behind surprise leaders Girona.