Barcelona midfielder Rodri reveals why he did not join Real Madrid: ‘I made my decision based on..’ | OneFootball

Spanish National Team captain Rodri was one of Real Madrid’s top midfield targets in the recently concluded summer transfer window, and there was even a point when the club were said to have a verbal agreement with the player over a move.

As the days rolled by, however, talks stagnated and Rodri grew distant from Los Blancos, only to eventually find himself linked to their arch rivals – Barcelona.

Having multiple national team comrades in Catalonia, he eventually opted to sign for Hansi Flick’s side and has enjoyed a good start to life with the Blaugrana.

Rodri’s interview

Opening up to Mundo Deportivo in a recent interview, the World Cup-winning captain was asked about his decision to sign for Barcelona this summer and how Real Madrid actually stood in the race.

The veteran replied by explaining how Los Blancos were indeed a serious option he considered.

Real Madrid were interested in signing the former Manchester City midfielder. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“Saying ‘NO’ to Real Madrid was not easy, especially since they treated me so well.”

“I had to consider a lot of things and make a really important decision involving two of the best clubs in the world,” he added on his dilemma at the time.

Rodri then admitted that it was the sporting aspect that formed the foundation of his eventual decision.

“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.”

Rodri was then asked about Jose Mourinho publicly stating that he had a phone call with the player, to which the player began his response with doubt towards the legitimacy of the claim.

Mourinho personally spoke to Rodri. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“I don’t think that it’s his style to reveal a private conversation, but he clearly expressed his desire for me to join the club and told me what I could bring to the team. He treated me very well.”

The Spaniard also explained how he professionally informed Real Madrid and Mourinho after making his final decision to sign for Barcelona.

“When I made my decision, I called him to thank him for his interest and for how he treated me.”

“I think he’s a tremendous coach, and he has already proven that in every club he has been to in his spectacular career,” he added on the Portuguese coach.