Leeds trialist Rodrigo, full name Juliano Lopes de Almeida Rodrigo, is desperate to relaunch his career with the Whites and play the kind of football again that saw him hit a remarkable 36-goals for former club Botafogo and put him in contention to win his first international cap with Brazil.
The Brazilian, who would not require a work permit as he holds a Portuguese passport, was given the chance to play in the Premiership by Everton last year but managed just four appearances before a serious cruciate ligament injury in his knee ruined his season.
David Moyes opted to release him from Goodison Park this summer, and United boss Peter Reid could offer the 26-year-old a permanent contract if he impresses during his trial at Elland Road. He replaced Mark Viduka in Wednesday night's friendly game at Bootham Crescent and played 51 minutes in a hard-fought draw.
Rodrigo said: "I have been out of action for a long time because of a major injury, but after training with Leeds for the past week I have been feeling healthy again.I am not trying to impress anybody at this stage, I am just looking to prove that I am healthy and people who know me know my qualities. I don't need to prove anything to anyone."
"I believe I have the skills and ability to be as successful in the Premiership as my Brazilian friends Juninho and Gilberto and it would be fantastic to make a name for myself in England as they have done," he told the official website.
Rodrigo has been very impressed by the facilities at the new Thorp Arch Academy Training centre. He would be delighted to get the chance to stay past his trial period.
"I think Leeds is a really big club, they didn't do well last season, but that can happen with any club.
"But I am feeling very happy here because the Academy is perfect, they have everything a soccer player needs to develop in your job and I am also very comfortable with the other lads here.
"I am here to prove my knee is fine and there are no more problems. If Leeds want to sign me I will be happy to do so.Peter has just said for me to get comfortable and try to get fit in this period and he'll see I'm fine.
"One of my targets is that I want to start a new career, but last year I had a major injury and nobody knows me here.
"I like challenges. That's what I like to do. I haven't had enough time to get to know Yorkshire and Leeds yet, but I will settle down. No problems."
After his injury hell, Rodrigo believes he can still realise his dream of playing in England and the Premiership.