Rodri Reveals Why He Rejected Real Madrid to Join Barcelona
The midfielder explained one of the biggest decisions of his career and revealed the classy gesture he made toward Mourinho after choosing Barcelona.
Rodri Hernández completed one of the biggest moves of the summer when he left Manchester City to join FC Barcelona, but the Catalan giants were not the only Spanish powerhouse chasing his signature. Real Madrid also made a serious attempt to convince the midfielder before he made his final decision.
The 30-year-old admitted he had to choose between “two of the best clubs in the world” and acknowledged that turning Madrid down was far from easy. Ultimately, however, sporting reasons tipped the balance in Barcelona’s favor.
“I made the decision based on the sporting side, on what excited me a little more and where I felt I could win and grow more as a player,” Rodri told Mundo Deportivo. The midfielder also revealed that Deco and Hansi Flick played a crucial role in convincing him to commit to Barcelona’s project.
The Mourinho Call Rodri Did Not Forget
José Mourinho personally became involved in Real Madrid’s attempt to sign Rodri. The Portuguese coach called the midfielder to explain his plans and what he believed the Spaniard could bring to his team.
Rodri declined to reveal the details of their conversation, insisting it should remain private, but praised the way Mourinho handled the situation. After deciding to sign for Barcelona, Rodri called Mourinho back personally to thank him for his interest and the way he had been treated.
“The way they treated me was very good. When I made my decision, I also called him to thank him for the interest and the treatment,” Rodri explained. He also described Mourinho as a “great coach” and warned that Real Madrid will be one of Barcelona’s toughest rivals in LaLiga.
Rodri Stayed Away From the Controversies
The midfielder was also asked whether other issues may have affected Real Madrid’s pursuit, including reports linking him with Enrique Riquelme.
Rodri insisted he remained completely removed from those stories because he was focused on his commitments with the national team at the time. His priority, he explained, has always been what happens on the pitch rather than the speculation surrounding him.
He took a similar stance when asked about Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid’s absence from the Ballon d’Or ceremony that Rodri ultimately won. The midfielder said the episode did not affect him and had no bearing on his relationship with the Spanish giants.
Barcelona Won a Major Battle With Real Madrid
Rodri’s arrival represents more than simply adding one of European football’s elite midfielders. Barcelona beat Real Madrid directly in the race for one of the biggest names available during the summer transfer window.
For Rodri, however, choosing Barcelona did not mean burning bridges with Los Blancos. The Spain international repeatedly praised Madrid’s conduct throughout the process and made a point of personally closing the chapter with Mourinho after reaching his decision.
A very different story begins now. Rodri has backed Flick’s project as the best place to continue winning and developing, while Mourinho’s Real Madrid have gone from potential destination to one of his biggest rivals.
The Keys to Rodri’s Decision
- Rodri chose Barcelona for sporting reasons, believing the project offered the most appealing environment to continue developing and competing for trophies.
- Mourinho personally called the midfielder in an attempt to bring him to Real Madrid, with Rodri later contacting him to thank him for his interest.
- Deco and Hansi Flick played decisive roles in convincing Rodri, who will now face Real Madrid as one of Barcelona’s biggest rivals in LaLiga.
