Álvaro Rodríguez has admitted adapting to Bournemouth has been “hard”, but says he is relishing the challenge after completing his summer move from Real Madrid.
The striker joined Marco Rose’s side following an impressive loan spell at Elche, where his seven league goals helped the Spanish club secure survival in La Liga.
Bournemouth paid €25m (£21.7m) to sign the 22-year-old, who is preparing for the first experience of his career outside Spain.
Speaking to Uruguayan media, as relayed locally by El País, Rodríguez reflected on his first weeks in England, his ambitions in the Premier League and his hopes of eventually breaking back into the Uruguay national team.
“It’s a process of adaptation – a new language, another intensity, new teammates,” he said. “It’s hard, but I’m enjoying it and that’s the best thing. I’m happy.”
The forward also revealed he is determined to make the most of the opportunity after following the path previously taken by Luis Suárez.
“I don’t set limits for myself. Being here isn’t pressure, it’s a dream and I’m going to enjoy it until the very last second.”
“I know what Suárez achieved. He’s one of the best number nines in history. Of course I’d like to do what he did and even more. I’m here to try and keep following my dream.”
Backing Forlán and remembering his father
The Bournemouth forward welcomed Diego Forlán’s appointment as Uruguay manager and believes the former striker’s connection with the national team will be important.
“I like it because I think the Uruguay national team has to be led by someone who feels the colours of Uruguay. Forlán is the greatest example of that.”
“I know he spoke well about me in a television interview some time ago and I’m very grateful for those words.”
“Nothing else has happened since then, but if I had the opportunity to work with him, I’d learn a lot because he’s also a striker.”
Rodríguez also spoke emotionally about the recent death of his father, Álvaro ‘Coquito’ Rodríguez, a well-known figure in Uruguayan football who inspired his love of both the game and Peñarol.
“We’re still going through the grieving process and I keep remembering him. I know he was a legend for Peñarol and Uruguay.”
Arriving at Bournemouth
The striker explained that his Bournemouth announcement carried a personal message.
“When my move to Bournemouth became official, I posted a picture and wrote that his legacy continues. I know people want to know how I am and what I’m feeling.”
“When I go back to Uruguay, I’ll visit my father’s best friend because he helped him more than anyone.”
For now, though, Rodríguez’s full focus is on settling at Bournemouth and proving he can make the same impact in the Premier League that convinced the Cherries to invest €25m (£21.7m) in him this summer.
