Real Madrid star 'refusing to play' after clash with teammates | OneFootball

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is reported to be determined not to play for the club ever again after growing unhappy with his role.

Murmurs of discontent began to surface last summer when the arrival of Kylian Mbappe sparked questions over Rodrygo's place in the team. At the time, the Brazil international stressed his commitment to the club, but the pressure continues to mount on Rodrygo as part of arguably the most high-profile forward line in world football.

With Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all commanding the spotlight, there have been reports suggesting Rodrygo has grown frustrated with his status as supporting cast and the treatment towards him from both the media and some inside the club.

In the aftermath of those reports, questions were asked when Rodrygo was an unused substitute in Madrid's 4-3 defeat to Barcelona. While the official line is thought to revolve around a fitness concern, MARCA state Rodrygo's refusal to play was behind his absence.

Not only is Rodrygo considering leaving this summer, but he is not looking to play again this season after seeing his relationship with Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham sour drastically due to the ongoing pressure and controversy.

Rodrygo is facing significant scrutiny / Mateo Villalba/GettyImages

Rodrygo is said to be angry with his situation, believing he is under-appreciated and targeted by unfair scrutiny when his role is often just to complement his teammates.

Madrid are open to cutting ties with Rodrygo as it stands, but the final decision will be left to incoming manager Xabi Alonso.

With all this going on in the background, current boss Carlo Ancelotti reiterated that Rodrygo's absence was down to a fitness issue, but confessed the winger is "not well emotionally".

"Rodrygo has had a fever that hasn't allowed him to perform at his best," Ancelotti told the media on Tuesday. "Today in training, he had a discomfort in his leg. I don't know which leg. And he wasn't well; he didn't recover well from the fever.

"Afterwards, there was a lot of speculation about this. Everyone has a special affection for Rodrygo, especially me. When a player isn't well, he's not well emotionally. He wants to show his quality, to help the team. It's normal."