Real Madrid star Rodrigo Goes conducted an extensive interview with the Spanish newspaper 'AS', during which he discussed many important issues, most notably the behind-the-scenes of his non-transfer to Barcelona, his aspirations for the upcoming Clasico, and his current situation.

Rodrigo said: "Before I signed with Real Madrid, everything had been finalized with Barcelona, that is true. But my father told me that Real Madrid had contacted us and that I had to choose. For me, it was very easy. I knew what I wanted and what my dream was, I didn't hesitate at all. And here I am now."

He added: "If your father hadn't told you, you would be a Barcelona player now! Can that happen? (laughs) I was at Santos and started playing well. Barcelona came for me, and I always said it's a great club and I respect it a lot. But Madrid was my dream, and my decision was easy. I couldn't wait any longer for Madrid, and when the time came, we did what we had to do."

He continued: "It's better to forget last season; we know we weren't at the required level, especially in the Clasico, we didn't feel comfortable against them. It's true that the previous year was the opposite, and we won four Clasicos, but we must admit that they are now better and have a better team, with more confidence. But we also have a great team. The upcoming Clasico will be tough, but we are playing at the Bernabeu in front of our fans, and we have to show who we are; we plan to win against them by any means. We are at home."

He added: "Can you imagine scoring the winning goal against Barcelona in the upcoming Clasico on October 26? Whenever one signs with Real Madrid, they think about winning the Champions League and scoring a decisive goal against Barcelona. I hope so."

Regarding the loss against Atletico Madrid: "We all agree. What happened should not be repeated and will not be repeated, for sure. It was a terrible day for us, but it won't happen again. We lost 5-2; I'm not stupid, we can't say anything."

On Kylian Mbappe's brilliance: "Yes, in fact, we get along very well, and he is really a wonderful player. I love playing with him. He has amazing speed. Every day he gets faster and shoots better. He is a phenomenon in football. It's a pleasure to have him on our team."

He concluded about his situation with Xabi Alonso: "When the coach arrived, he called me to talk and said to me: 'I know you love playing on the left side, but I will also need you in other positions.' I told him: 'Okay, coach, I am here to help the team.' Everyone knows that I prefer playing on the left side and that I am much better on that side, but I am always at the service of the team to play on the right side or as a forward, and I told him that. The truth is that he only puts me on the left side, and I love the level of minutes I play. I perform well even though, of course, I want to play more. I am in a process of development, and I feel that I am getting better and I feel happy. I am performing better and better.