The 19-year-old arrived at Lyon in January after falling out of the rotation under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, with his mental state described by those around him at the time as deeply affected by the situation. His farewell letter, published on social media, was written with a vividness and emotional intelligence that revealed how much the experience had meant.
"In Brazil, when someone is going through a difficult time, they say that person has to kill a lion every day. During months, I went through something no sportsperson would want to go through. But I decided I was not going to kill a single lion. I decided to become one. And it was here that I found what I needed to recover my strength."
He described the spell in France as a period that gave him back not just goals and confidence, but relationships and a sense of belonging he had not expected to find so quickly.
"The months of anguish gave way to months of joy, of victories and also of learning. I made new friends. I got even closer to the ones I already had. And I discovered that our place is wherever we are with those we love and who love us."
Endrick scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 21 appearances for Lyon, helping the club secure a Champions League qualifying position. He learned French well enough to address the press and his teammates in their language — a detail that endeared him further to a supporter base that knew he was always going to leave.
He acknowledged the impossibility of staying.
"Although a lion grows stronger, he cannot stay in one place. I have to say goodbye now and start the journey back. A much longer journey. Because I return carrying much more than I had when I arrived. And although I reach the end of this journey, for the rest of my life I will carry this city with me. In my heart and in my memory. Every time I look at the smile of my son, whom God gave to our family here in Lyon."
Endrick joins Brazil's World Cup squad and is expected to feature for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who open their campaign against Morocco on June 13. Real Madrid have made clear they want him back permanently next season with no further loan planned.