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Rodri was a primary target for Madrid earlier in the transfer window, and the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner had been on their radar for several years.

However, Barcelona has instead made a move to sign the midfielder, spending €76.5m to bring Rodri in from Manchester City.

Speaking to El Chiringuito, Madrid boss Mourinho confirmed Los Blancos had held talks with Rodri, but that the player's doubts scuppered a move.

"I spoke with [Rodri] a couple of times," Mourinho said. "Real Madrid made him a very good offer.

"I think the relationship between Real Madrid and Man City is very good. The club made him an important offer.

"Rodri had doubts, he doubted, and I think what happened is that the doubts Rodri had, gave me doubts.

"He's an extraordinary player. But I think Real Madrid are so big that we can't have players who think twice. That's the concept. But he behaved properly with us, and I wish him well."

Rodri, who led Spain to the World Cup this year and picked up the Golden Ball along the way, won 13 major honours with City, including the Champions League, with his goal proving the winner against Inter in the 2022-2023 final.

Barcelona and Madrid start their LaLiga campaigns this weekend, taking on Elche and Espanyol, respectively.