Real Madrid icon very critical of failed Rodri pursuit – “They take us for fools” | OneFootball

The last 24 hours have been a mixture of emotions for Real Madrid on the transfer front. They signed Yan Diomande, but a deal for Rodri has fallen through, with Barcelona now heavy favourites to secure the signature of the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner.

For weeks, it has been taken for granted that Real Madrid would end up signing Rodri. Manchester City have been resigned to losing their star midfielder due to his desire not to agree a new contract, and with Los Blancos having had personal terms in place, a transfer had looked inevitable – until it didn’t.

Real Madrid’s failed talks with Man City allowed Barcelona into the race, and Rodri has now had his head turned by the Catalan club. This has understandably left supporters very unhappy, and among those to feel this way is club icon Fernando Morientes, who made his feelings clear when speaking on El Partidazo de COPE (via MD).

“It’s a practical joke. They take us for fools. It’s clear that Real Madrid didn’t want Rodri. Real Madrid do not sleep in this type of situation. You can sleep for a 14-year-old right-back, but not for this type of player.

“Real Madrid have not put all their meat on the grill. Now they pass the buck to Rodri, saying that he wanted to sign for Barça because of the style of play. That’s a joke in bad taste for those of us who know about football. When Real Madrid have gone for this type of signing, they have achieved it: Figo, Zidane, Owen, Ronaldo… Nobody should come to tell me now that Rodri wanted to play somewhere else.”

Failed Rodri move is a huge blow for Real Madrid

Despite signing Diomande on Thursday, the overriding emotion in the Real Madrid fanbase right now is disappointment. Rodri would have arguably been their most important signing of the summer, but to lose him to their biggest rivals is a crushing blow.