Highly-rated Brazil forward Endrick has explained why he is learning English, Spanish and sign language ahead of his much-anticipated move to Real Madrid.
The 17-year-old striker, who received his first call-up to the Brazil national team last month after impressing for Palmeiras, will join Los Blancos in the summer of 2024.
After scoring 165 goals in 169 games at youth level, including seven in seven during the 2022 Sao Paulo Youth Football Cup, his move came as no surprise to many onlookers.
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Carlo Ancelotti's side are said to have paid his £52 million release clause after months of speculation surrounding his future, with Manchester City and Chelsea also keen.
Endrick is expected to become one of football's biggest stars in the coming years, and with that comes expectation, both on and off the pitch.
In fact, the teenager is already taking part in media interviews. Earlier this week, he took part in an inspiring chat with Brazilian outlet Os Donos da Bola.
Here, he touched on a number of subjects, including his decision to learn a number of languages, including English and Spanish, before joining Madrid next summer.
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The 17-year-old is also studying to use sign language. "It's an idea that I always had," he said. "I like to communicate with everyone who likes me. I know that there are people who couldn't talk to me so I could at least make the effort."
Endrick added: "I know that learning sign language could help me, not among players, because this has nothing to do with that. It's because of how I am.
"My mother raised me as a man of respect and I have to value that. I must try to do things to improve as a person."
After becoming the youngest player to earn a senior call-up to the Brazil squad since Ronaldo in 1994, Endrick became the fourth all-time youngest player, and youngest in 57 years, when he made his debut against Colombia.
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The future is bright, both on and off the pitch, for this young talent.
Topics: Endrick, Real Madrid, Brazil, La Liga
Jack Kenmare