Real Madrid have won the race for Brazillian wonderkid Endrick.
Madrid beat out a number of Europe's top clubs for Endrick's signature, including Paris Saint-Germain. The 16-year-old who plays for Palmeiras will join the Spanish side in 2024 as the rules in his native Brazil state that no player can leave the country via transfer until they are 18 years old.
But why did he choose Madrid? Well, one player in particular had a major part to play.
READ MORE: United play Everton in behind-closed-doors friendly
"Cristiano Ronaldo, a spectacular man, a phenomenon. I have to follow in his footsteps," Endrick told Marca earlier this year. Ronaldo played for the Spanish side from 2009 until 2018 and as a player that has won the Ballon d'Or five times it is clear that he will be an inspiration for the next generation.
Speaking about his future and Madrid before the transfer, Endrick stated: "It is a club that I have great affection for and for Cristiano Ronaldo, whom I always followed, with the four Champions Leagues he won there. I have a great affection for Real due to Cristiano, although I have also looked for things in their history and they are a very good team.
"It is very gratifying for me to know that they are watching me and witnessing my games, I thank God very much. I have to do more, it's still not good, I have to give more. I still have a way to go."
Ronaldo is currently training with Madrid as he works on his fitness after leaving Manchester United, but it is unlikely that the pair will ever play together. When asked about re-signing the 37-year-old in summer, president Florentino Perez rebuked: "Cristiano? Again? At 38?"
However, one player Endrick could yet play with is Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe was heavily linked with a move to Madrid in the summer before signing a new contract at PSG but his long-term future remains uncertain. The Frenchman has a chance of winning his second World Cup before the age of 24 and this is an inspiration for Endrick.
He said: "I like and I identify with Mbappe, for being young and because I have his characteristics. I am a player with character, who always tries to do the most difficult thing. I try to decide games, play a lot as a team, which is the most important thing. I never stop, I always want more.
"If I make a goal, I want two; if I make two, I want three. I would tell people who don't know me that I am very persistent."
READ NEXT:
