World Cup-winning midfielder has personally informed Real Madrid of decision to join Barcelona | OneFootball

In just over 24 hours, Real Madrid have completely slipped out of control of the Rodri operation that they had marked as a summer priority.

They were in pole position to land the midfielder and were in talks directly with Manchester City. The two parties were seemingly negotiating an agreement but Barcelona used the opportunity to swoop in.

All of a sudden, the Catalans have now leapfrogged Real Madrid in the race and reports have it that the player’s transfer to Barcelona is now very advanced. The player has reportedly chosen Catalonia over Madrid.

Confirmation from Rodri’s agent

As relayed in a recent update, Rodri’s agent directly told El Larguero via Diario AS the reality of the situation, and where Real Madrid and Barcelona stood all along in the dynamic.

Real Madrid made a massive effort for Rodri. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

The agent conveyed that the Manchester City star was ‘genuinely grateful’ for the respect and interest Real Madrid showed in him over the past two weeks of negotiations.

He also said that everyone at the club, from the president to the staff and even the CEO, did everything possible to sign Rodri and that Real Madrid left no stone unturned. In fact, he confirmed that Los Blancos even submitted an ‘unrejectable’ offer. 

Out of respect for Real Madrid, the player and his agent personally called the club administration last night to thank them for everything and inform them of the player’s decision to sign for another club. They wish to avoid any unnecessary drama.

An understandable snub

While Real Madrid’s project offered a more prominent role to Rodri, it is completely understandable why he chose Barcelona over Los Blancos once the interest arrived.

The Barcelona-dominant Spain NT dressing room played a part in Rodri’s decision. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

For starters, his style of football would be more suited to the Catalans’ possession-dominant style, and the influence of Pep Guardiola will make the transition easier.

Further, the Barcelona dressing room is dominated by Spanish internationals, all of whom are close to Rodri and played a part in convincing him to join the Catalans.

Jose Mourinho is said to be furious at the development as he prioritised a new defensive midfielder this summer and saw Rodri as the perfect signing. It remains to be seen if Los Blancos push for any new midfielder after Rodri’s snub.