Barcelona midfielder Rodri has revealed the reasons behind his decision to join the Catalan club last summer despite receiving an offer from Real Madrid.
The Spanish midfielder admitted that choosing between two of the world’s biggest clubs was difficult, but said the sporting side of the decision ultimately convinced him.
Rodri explained that he carefully considered several factors before deciding which project would provide him with the greatest motivation and the best opportunity to develop as a player.
Rodri: Rejecting Real Madrid Was Not Easy
Rodri acknowledged that turning down Real Madrid was far from an easy decision, particularly because of the way the club treated him throughout the negotiations.
He explained that the final decision was based primarily on his sporting ambitions and the environment he believed would help him continue developing his career.
The midfielder stressed that the decision was not simply about choosing one major club over another, but about determining which project suited his goals best.
Rodri Contacted Mourinho After Making His Decision
Rodri revealed that he contacted Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid’s coach, after making his final decision.
The midfielder said he wanted to thank Mourinho for his interest and for the way he handled the negotiations.
Rodri praised Mourinho as a great coach who has demonstrated his ability throughout his career and at major stages of the game.
He also expects Real Madrid to be a difficult opponent for Barcelona in the league this season.
Deco and Flick Played a Major Role in Barcelona Move
Rodri explained that Barcelona’s approach during the negotiations was one of the main reasons behind his decision to join the club.
He highlighted the roles of sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick, saying they were important in presenting the club’s vision and the role he could play within the team.
Rodri particularly appreciated the calm and natural approach adopted by Barcelona during the process.
He said the club’s family-like atmosphere appealed to him and strengthened his desire to join.
Rodri: Barcelona Did Not Try to Convince Me With Money
The Barcelona midfielder stressed that the club did not rely solely on financial figures to convince him.
Instead, the focus was on the sporting side and what Barcelona believed he could contribute both on and off the pitch.
Rodri said this approach played an important role in helping him make his final decision.
Rodri Discusses the Ballon d’Or Race
Rodri also spoke about the Ballon d’Or race, noting that Barcelona had chosen to support his teammate Lamine Yamal for the prestigious award.
He explained that Barcelona’s decision was legitimate and reflected the club’s belief that Yamal is the player who deserves the award most.
Rodri also noted that the current Ballon d’Or race features a large number of strong candidates, with several players having legitimate reasons to believe they can win the prize.
Why Did Rodri Choose Barcelona?
Rodri said the sporting project was the most important factor, particularly the opportunity to develop and grow further as a player.
Was It Easy for Rodri to Reject Real Madrid?
No. Rodri admitted that rejecting Real Madrid was difficult, especially given the positive way the club handled the negotiations.
What Influenced Rodri’s Move to Barcelona?
Rodri highlighted Barcelona’s approach, along with the sporting vision presented by Deco and Hansi Flick.
What Did Rodri Say About Real Madrid?
He described Real Madrid as a strong and difficult competitor for Barcelona in the league this season.
