Religious convictions make Endrick reject Milan move, report says

Brazilian striker Endrick, who is on Real Madrid’s books, has reportedly turned down a potential transfer to Milan on Wednesday the 11th, according to the Italian daily Corriere dello Sport, citing his evangelical faith and the club’s devil mascot as the reason.

Milan’s board had shown interest in the 20‑year‑old, but the reported religious objection caused the club’s pursuit to lose momentum.

The striker, a declared evangelical, reportedly felt uncomfortable wearing Milan’s colours because the club’s visual identity features the devil and its mascot Diavoletto.

With Milan’s interest waning, Serie A side Roma emerged as the primary suitor, hoping to bolster its attack; the capital club’s mascot is a wolf linked to the legend of ancient Rome.

The Diavoletto symbol dates back to Milan’s 1899 founding by Englishman Herbert Kilpin, who chose red and black to represent fire and fear, and the devil image became prominent on kits during the 1980s.

The Italian press’s thesis contrasts with the career of former Real Madrid midfielder Kaká, an openly evangelical player who became a Milan idol and won the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year award.

So far this season Endrick has logged 141 minutes for Real Madrid under José Mourinho, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

Mourinho has reiterated that he does not intend to sell the striker despite the Italian speculation.

Media in Brasil also reported the interest from Roma.