“I Have a Great Affection” – Endrick Reveals Love for Manchester United Amid Premier League Links

Endrick has spoken openly about his long-standing admiration for Manchester United, revealing how the club holds a special place in his heart due to the influence of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazilian teenager, currently on loan at Olympique Lyonnais from Real Madrid, is continuing his development in European football while reflecting on the figures and teams that shaped his early passion for the game.

For Endrick, Ronaldo’s career has been a guiding reference point. The Portuguese forward’s rise to global prominence began during his first spell at Old Trafford, before he went on to achieve further success at Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al-Nassr. That journey has clearly left a lasting impression on the young forward.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Endrick explained how closely he has followed Ronaldo’s path across different leagues and clubs. “I’ve followed Ronaldo’s career at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al-Nassr. It doesn’t matter where he is, I’ll always follow him,” he said when discussing his own development.

It is that connection to Ronaldo’s early years in England that has shaped Endrick’s feelings towards Manchester United. Watching footage of the forward during his time under Sir Alex Ferguson introduced him to the club’s history and style, leaving a strong personal attachment.

Endrick admitted that this admiration goes beyond casual interest. “That’s where Cristiano Ronaldo played! I grew up watching him there, and I have a great affection for Manchester United,” he said. His comments reflect not only respect for Ronaldo’s achievements, but also a deeper emotional link to the club itself.

Such remarks are likely to resonate with supporters at Old Trafford, even though any potential move to England remains uncertain at this stage of his career. Endrick’s immediate focus is on his current loan spell in France, where he is gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment.

The 19-year-old also revealed that interest from clubs in the Premier League had already emerged earlier this year. Before his move to Lyon was finalised, several teams from England, as well as clubs in Italy and Germany, had made enquiries about his availability.

“Yes, there was interest from English clubs, and from Italy and Germany too,” Endrick explained. “Some very good clubs showed interest, but it’s not necessary to mention names. I thank them for their interest.”

Despite that attention, the decision to join Lyon was influenced by factors beyond football alone. Endrick spoke about the importance of faith and family in guiding his choices, making it clear that his move to France felt right at the time.

“I have God in my life and when I heard about the English clubs that were interested, I didn’t hear God telling me it was the destination at that moment, and neither did my wife,” he said. “When you get married, you know who’s really in charge! So it’s important to listen to her opinion.”

He added that both he and his wife felt a strong sense of conviction when Lyon emerged as an option. “But when the name Lyon appeared, both my wife and I felt the touch of God,” Endrick continued. “If one day I go to the Premier League, then it will not only be my decision, it will be something God places in my path.”

For now, his attention remains firmly on improving his performances in Ligue 1. Life at Lyon has presented its own challenges, particularly as he adapts to a new league and higher expectations. Manager Paulo Fonseca has taken a firm approach at times, openly expressing dissatisfaction with certain aspects of Endrick’s game.

Fonseca previously stated that he was “not satisfied” with the forward’s output, suggesting that a player of his ability carries a responsibility to lead. The comments were part of a deliberate strategy to push Endrick to raise his level during a period of inconsistency.

That approach appears to have had the desired effect. In recent weeks, Endrick has responded positively on the pitch, contributing to Lyon’s efforts to secure European qualification as the season moves towards its conclusion.

His development in France is being closely watched, not least because of his long-term connection to Real Madrid. The Spanish club remains central to his future, but his current loan spell offers an important opportunity to gain regular playing time and experience.

While speculation about a future move to the Premier League may continue, Endrick’s own words suggest that any such step will depend on timing and circumstance rather than immediate ambition. His admiration for Manchester United is clear, but he has indicated that decisions about his career will be shaped by a broader sense of direction.

For now, the focus remains on growth, consistency and adapting to the demands of European football. Endrick’s journey is still in its early stages, but his reflections on Ronaldo and Manchester United offer insight into the influences that continue to shape his path.