'They starved for me' - Palmeiras' Real Madrid-bound prodigy Endrick reveals his parents' extraordinary sacrifice

Endrick may now be one of the most promising youth talents in the world, and a reigning Serie A winner for Palmeiras, but his childhood wasn't the easiest. In an interview with The Guardian, he admitted that he grew up in relative poverty just outside Brasilia — and saw his parents skip meals so he could eat.

Speaking to The Guardian, Endrick addressed his childhood struggles: "I never went hungry, but my parents did. They starved for me. That gave me a lot of strength because I didn’t want to see them do that again. I didn’t want to see them in need, give me food and have them go without."

The forward also spoke about his apparent cold demeanour: "I was angry at one time because I wanted to show them who I was. I tried to counter the criticism and show who I am. But then I understood that I didn’t need to prove it, I didn’t need to show the opposite. I’m Endrick. If they want to insult me, I won’t see it. Yes, it’s difficult, but… it doesn’t matter to me any more. Criticism doesn’t hurt me any more."

Endrick was subject to a high profile transfer pursuit, with Chelsea, Barcelona and Madrid all vying to secure his signature. Los Blancos eventually won the battle, shelling out €60 million (£52m/$64m) — a record fee for a Brazilian Serie A player.

Palmeiras are out of action until January 21, at which point the striker will likely return to the fold for the Serie A champs. Endrick will officially make his move to madrid in June.