RIO DE JANEIRO, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian teenager Rodrygo said Monday he is aiming to take his game to a new level as he prepares to leave Santos for Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old forward is expected to move to the Bernabeu this summer, a year after the Spanish giants signed him for a reported fee of 45 million euros.
"I'm looking to evolve in all areas, to raise my level," Rodrygo told reporters here on Monday. "I have to be at the standard of [Real Madrid's] players when I get there.
"I want to make the most of the little time that I have left at Santos to help leave the team at the top [of the Brazilian Serie A standings]," he added.
Rodrygo has been influential in Santos's strong start to the 2019 season. On Sunday, he scored a fine solo goal and set up two others in his side's 3-0 home victory over Vasco da Gama.
The eight-time Brazilian Serie A champions - 10th in the top flight last year - are currently second in the standings, behind leaders Palmeiras on goal difference after four matches.
Rodrygo praised the impact of former Argentina, Chile and Sevilla head coach Jorge Sampaoli, who took charge of Santos in January.
"Sampaoli has a lot of experience in Europe and he gives me a lot of advice which has helped me," Rodrygo added.
