Former Real Madrid player advises Endrick to leave as he questions Vinicius’ superstar status

Rodrigo Fabri has advised Endrick to leave Real Madrid if he continues to struggle for playing time, drawing on his own unsuccessful experience at the club.

The 50-year-old Brazilian joined Real Madrid in 1998 on a five-year contract but did not make a single official appearance for the Spanish side. Fabri played in some friendly matches, was sent out on loan five times and also spent time at Atletico de Madrid, without making a significant impact.

Speaking to AS, Fabri recalled how his decision to move to Spain had affected his career.

“I arrived in Spain with a great deal of enthusiasm, but things did not go well,” he said. “Roma and Deportivo La Coruna, who were both at the height of their powers, wanted to sign me, but I chose Real Madrid because of its history and prestige.

“In the long term, it became clear that my choice had been wrong, although I was convinced by my decision at the time. I believe I would have played regularly and proved myself in Italy or Galicia, but my career took a different path.”

Fabri said he had been encouraged by the quality of the managers he worked under, but never felt fully trusted.

“I was excited and motivated. The competition was certainly enormous, but I believe I deserved an opportunity,” he said. “I had managers such as Jupp Heynckes, Jose Antonio Camacho, Guus Hiddink, John Toshack and Vicente del Bosque, yet none of them gave me their full confidence.”

He described his move to Real Valladolid in the summer of 1999 as particularly frustrating.

“I was deeply disappointed. I knew I was close to Real Madrid and that I would be monitored almost every day,” Fabri said. “I had an excellent season in terms of my performances, scoring many goals and creating others.

“I was convinced I had earned a place in the Real Madrid team, but in the end they told me they were not counting on me and loaned me out again. It was a complicated and unpleasant situation. Instead of keeping me, they signed Solari from Atletico de Madrid, who had a very poor season.”

Asked what advice he would give Endrick, Fabri said the young forward needed regular football to continue developing.

“I can see that he is practically not getting any opportunities to play,” he said. “He is young, talented and regarded as an important part of rebuilding the Brazil national team. I would advise him that, if he does not receive many chances, as is happening now, the best thing would be to move to another team where he can play and develop as a footballer.”

Fabri also addressed the jeering directed at Vinicius at the Santiago Bernabeu, saying such treatment was unusual despite the demands at Real Madrid.

“It is not normal, although we all know what Real Madrid requires,” he said. “I think Vinicius is a great player, but I do not consider him a superstar. Nevertheless, he is our best forward in Brazil.”