Report – How Real Madrid reacted to Rodri’s decision to reject them for Barcelona | OneFootball

Rodri Hernandez has made the definitive decision to snub Real Madrid join FC Barcelona.

As already reported, the midfielder has already said yes to the Blaugrana and agreed terms of his contract, leaving Los Blancos hanging after having previously committed to the move.

Rodri informed Real Madrid himself

Now, according to Jose Felix Diaz of AS, the Manchester City ace officially informed Real Madrid that he has chosen the Blaugrana project, despite receiving an attractive financial offer from the Spanish heavyweights just days ago.

Throughout his conversations with Real Madrid’s hierarchy, Rodri remained respectful and transparent.

Rodri has chosen Barcelona. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

However, he never conveyed complete conviction about making the move to the Bernabeu, something that kept the club’s executives uncertain about his final decision.

At Valdebebas, there is a firm belief that any player signing for Real Madrid must be completely convinced by the move, and the club never felt Rodri reached that point. As a result, they have accepted and respected his decision.

Why Rodri chose Barcelona and how Real Madrid refected

During the latest discussions between the parties, Rodri explained the reasons behind his decision to favour Barcelona.

Among the factors he highlighted were the club’s style of play, the footballing legacy left by Pep Guardiola, and the stronger connection he feels with many of Barcelona’s players through the years they have spent together with the Spanish national team.

Those explanations were well received at Valdebebas. Real Madrid accepted the player’s reasoning and wished him well in the next stage of his career.

Real Madrid wished Rodri best of luck. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

While the club regarded Rodri as an outstanding option because of his footballing ability, leadership and influence, they have not treated the outcome as a major setback.

Real Madrid never entered formal negotiations

Real Madrid held two conversations with Manchester City’s hierarchy during the process. However, neither meeting developed into formal negotiations.

Instead, the discussions remained hypothetical and were dependent on Rodri first reaching a full agreement with the Spanish club.

As that never happened, the two clubs never progressed to discussing a transfer fee.

Barcelona are now expected to complete the signing for a fee in the region of €60 million.