Danilo Opens Up on Madrid Struggles and How Guardiola Changed His Career

Now playing for Flamengo, Brazilian full-back Danilo offered a candid reflection on his career in an interview with The Guardian, focusing on his mental health battles and the transformative impact of Pep Guardiola.

Speaking about his time at Real Madrid, Danilo admitted: “I suffered so much that I had to seek psychological help. There were moments when I felt like I had forgotten how to play football.” He struggled under the pressure and criticism following his €31 million transfer.

Things changed when he joined Manchester City. “Guardiola taught me to think about football differently. He helped me understand time, space, and possession. It was like attending university,” said Danilo, who won two Premier League titles under the Spaniard.

He also highlighted his mental health initiative, Voz Futura, launched during the pandemic to combat negativity and promote emotional awareness. Danilo believes football clubs will only invest in players’ mental well-being once they realize the financial cost of neglect.