Endrick pays a tribute to Bobby
ENDRICK paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton after becoming the youngest man to score at Wembley.
Brazil’s new sensation, who will join Real Madrid for £52million when he turns 18 in July, also became the youngest male player to score an international goal at Wembley one day before the 30th anniversary of Ronaldo’s debut.
His short stature and explosive speed are more reminiscent of Diego Maradona, who scored his first Argentina goal in Britain at Hampden Park in 1979 at the age of 18.
But Endrick said: “A guy who is an idol here is Bobby Charlton. Playing in the stadium where Bobby played and scoring on the day Ronaldo debuted are very important for me.
“My family is here. I am not much of a crier, I am holding myself, but this is something unique and I am very happy.”
Endrick came off the bench for only his third cap and tapped home the winner but said his emotions prevented him scoring a second when Jordan Pickford saved his low shot in added time.
The teenager said: “All of this affected me a little at the end, I will not lie.
“I was just thinking about scoring. I could only think about that. I couldn’t think about the match any longer.”
The debut win for new coach Dorival Junior ended a run of three defeats for a Brazil team still without the injured Neymar but now boasting a new superstar.
Former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva said: “Endrick has made history. I am happy for him, the team and especially Dorival Junior because he came in as manager with a lot of expectation.
“The team were patient, with personality on the pitch. This is what we expect from Brazil.”