Rodri explains decision to reject Real Madrid for Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona summer signing Rodri has early this week provided an insight into his decision to rebuff the advances of Real Madrid in favour of joining the Blaugrana.

Midfielder Rodri was for his part of course at the heart of one of the most high-profile transfer sagas of the summer.

After the 30-year-old made known his decision to bring a close to his Manchester City spell, the aforementioned Real Madrid were quickly labelled as his most likely landing spot.

Los Blancos, in turn, set about securing a deal with club and player alike, delighted to have finally sourced their long-term Toni Kroos replacement.

In the end, however, Rodri himself made the call to reject Florentino Pérez and co. for none other than their arch rivals at the Camp Nou.

Speaking during an interview with Mundo Deportivo, as cited by journalist Fabrizio Romano, this week, the World Cup winner was therefore inevitably drawn on his decision.

And Rodri went on to explain:

“Saying no to Real Madrid was not easy, especially since they treated me so well. I made my decision based on sporting aspects, on what excited me more and where I felt I could win and grow the most as a player.”

Conor Laird – GSFN