Endrick's short but very successful adventure in Ligue 1 has come to an end. Olympique Lyon has officially said goodbye to the Brazilian talent, who, after impressive performances in France, will return to Real Madrid for the next chapter of his career.
Lyon's director of recruitment, Matthieu Louis-Jean, confirmed that Endrick will return to Madrid this summer, ending his five-month loan spell in France. The 19-year-old striker joined Lyon in January on a short-term deal, with no option to buy. Although the French club would like to keep him, financial and contractual realities make a longer stay almost impossible.
After the last match of the season, a 4-0 home defeat to Lens, Louis-Jean spoke openly about the possibility of keeping the Brazilian.
"Yes, we would like to keep him, but at the moment it seems very difficult," he said. "You feel like extending his contract. Is it possible? That's another matter. It's been a very good loan for Endrick; he's had a great time here. He's been amazing, extraordinary in the way he's adapted. He speaks French now, which is incredible. He's a good boy."
Endrick's numbers during his short stay at Lyon speak for themselves. In just 21 appearances in all competitions, the Brazilian teenager scored eight goals and provided eight assists, becoming one of the most productive players in Ligue 1 since January.
Louis-Jean highly valued his impact on the team during the second half of the season.
"He gave us a lot in a very short time. He did what we expected from him. He is a young player who will improve and I hope he goes to the World Cup and has a great tournament. It was a good period together. Will it continue? Today, yes, it has ended."
Endrick himself had previously expressed his happiness at Lyon, leaving the door open for a possible return if circumstances allowed. After a victory over Rennes, he spoke calmly about the future, saying that he leaves everything in God's hands. His connection with the fans was also clearly seen in his final substitution against Lens, when he was greeted with applause from the entire stadium.
"I take each day as it comes. Today was beautiful and I'm very happy about it. I'm very happy here, there's a good team, good staff and good teammates. I feel very good, I don't know what's going to happen. I'm always with God. Whatever God tells me, I'll do. Whether I have to stay in Lyon or go to Madrid, I'll do what God tells me. I'll wait and see what he tells me. But I'm very happy," Endrick declared.
With Endrick gone, Lyon must now focus on a busy summer and preparations for the Champions League qualifying rounds. After finishing fourth in Ligue 1, the French club will start next season early.
Louis-Jean confirmed that the recruitment department has already started working with coach Paulo Fonseca to find replacements and strengthen the squad for European challenges.
“We are anticipating this situation, we have already started the work,” he said. “It will be complicated, because the high-level matches are coming very soon. We have started working with Paulo Fonseca and Benjamin Charier on the players who can join us. Now we will chew on this season, which has been very good for us; we are proud of what we have achieved.” /GazetaExpress/
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