Leeds United record signing Rodrigo sets his sights on Manchester United and Spain national team pal David De Gea

The Brazilian-born Spanish forward played alongside Red Devils goalkeeper David De Gea on Thursday night in their Nations League game against Germany.

On Friday afternoon the 29-year-old grinned as he told the press that he can’t wait to play against his friend and international team-mate De Gea, so he can add to the goals he has already scored past him in training.

It was Rodrigo’s downwards header that allowed Jose Gaya to steer home a late equaliser for Spain and snatch a 1-1 draw against Germany, with Leeds team-mate Robin Koch trying in vain to prevent the goal having just entered the field of play.

Rodrigo played the full 90 minutes and was Spain’s most prevalent attacking threat with a lively performance that should have brought a goal.

Given the length of time that has passed since his last competitive outing on July 1 for Valencia, Rodrigo was happy enough to supply an assist and help Spain achieve a positive result against tough opposition.

“The game was a very good game on our part,” he said.

“We’re a long time without playing, two months and a half for me without an official game. It was a tough game against a team as big as Germany. Of course it could be better but I think we had a good result.

“I always want to help the team, scoring goals or assists or running to make plays. I’m happy to get the assist.”

Spain host Ukraine on Sunday and then Rodrigo will begin his Leeds United adventure in earnest.

He wants to report for duty the very next day in order to get his adaptation process underway as he starts to acclimatise to Marcelo Bielsa’s style of football.

“I want to arrive Monday and start to train with the team and adapt myself as soon as possible to the style of the team and give my best, work hard,” he said.

Whether or not he can show Bielsa enough of an understanding of the role he is required to play and ample fitness levels to qualify for selection against Liverpool in a week’s time, Rodrigo is brimming with excitement at the prospect of reintroducing himself to the Premier League.

A decade on from his season-long loan with Bolton Wanderers, an older, wiser and better striker returns to England but the boyish enthusiasm remains.

His eyes light up at the prospect of taking on the English top flight’s big boys but one opponent in particular stands out.

Leeds United travel to bitter rivals Manchester United on December 19 and host a return fixture on April 24.

Rodrigo is relishing the prospect of a reunion with a club he didn’t lose to with either Benfica or Valencia, in Champions League action.

“In the Premier League there are a lot of big teams, it’s special because it’s very competitive,” he said.

“We always want to play against Liverpool, Tottenham, Man City, but for me the special game is Manchester United. I played against them with Benfica and Valencia.

“Playing against my national team mate De Gea will be special for me, I have a great relationship with him and I already scored some goals against him in training so I can say [I’m looking forward to playing against] him.”