Emerson Royal's father believes it is time for his son to take a "bigger leap" and "fight for titles" at a club like Real Madrid.
Emerson Zulu, who also acts as Royal's agent, recently appeared on the Charla Podcast to speak about a number of subjects, including the future of his son, who currently plays for Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs full-back Royal has made 53 appearances in the league since joining from Barcelona in 2021 for a reported £25.8 million, including 22 under Antonio Conte this season.
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But the Brazilian defender has been tipped to leave North London by his own father, who has sparked plenty of reaction after his latest podcast appearance.
Emerson Zulu said: "There is a great possibility that Emerson Royal will leave Tottenham. We want this because we believe it’s time for him to take a bigger leap and go to a team that fights for titles.
"It can be in the Premier League or outside of it, but it has to be a giant. I think that Real Madrid is the football that best fits with the style of Royal."
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Since those comments were made, Emerson Royal himself has played down his father's bold statements.
“Although he is entitled to his own opinion, I have never spoken to him about it and I have always made it clear that I am happy at Tottenham," he said.
“As a professional athlete, I am proud to represent the team that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to showcase my skills.”
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As mentioned earlier, there was a huge reaction from social media after the comments made by Emerson's father emerged.
One fan said: "Genuinely can’t think of a player in our history that I’d care less if we sold," while another wrote: "I literally laughed out loud."
A third added: "I think he's made progress this season and won some critics over with some good games, but he's way off Real Madrid I'd have thought."
Back in February, before he suffered a meniscus injury to his left knee while on international duty, Spurs interim manager Cristian Stellini praised Royal for his form.
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"If he continues to play like this, I think it’s compulsory for Brazil to recall him," he said. "I hope for him that that can happen."
Thoughts on the comments made by Emerson Royal's father? Do you think he would flourish at defending European champions Real Madrid?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Transfers, Fan Reactions