Rodri: Barcelona Project Under Flick and Deco Swayed Me Over Real Madrid
Rodri says Barcelona’s football project, led by Hansi Flick and Deco, decided his move from Manchester City despite strong interest from Real Madrid.
Rodri explains Barcelona choice
The 30-year-old Spain midfielder has left City for Barcelona in one of the summer’s defining transfers, choosing a return to La Liga after a spell in England. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, said the switch developed gradually as he recognised he needed a fresh challenge.
“It was more of a process than one single decision,” Rodri said. “You first realise your time at a club may be ending and that you want something different. When Barcelona’s opportunity appeared, it felt right for many reasons.”
- Rodri said sporting ambition, rather than money or outside pressure, drove the decision.
- He identified Barcelona’s young squad as a major attraction.
- Flick’s plans and Deco’s role in presenting the project were central to his final call.
- Rodri believes Barcelona offers the best environment for him to win, enjoy his football and continue improving.
Real Madrid rejection was not simple
Real Madrid pushed hard for Rodri, but the midfielder ultimately felt Barcelona’s direction gave him greater excitement. He admitted that turning down the Bernabeu club was difficult, particularly after being treated well during the process.
Rodri said he had to consider a major choice between “two of the best clubs in the world”, weighing where he could develop most and compete for honours. Barcelona’s sporting case won out.
Family-club approach also impressed midfielder
Barcelona did not pressure Rodri to commit, he said. Instead, the club made clear that they wanted to understand how he could help the side both in matches and around the squad.
The Spain international described the atmosphere as homely and family-like, adding that the conversations were focused on football and his potential contribution rather than forcing a rapid answer.
Ballon d’Or controversy did not affect move
Rodri’s decision came after Real Madrid’s much-discussed absence from the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he finished ahead of Vinicius. But he insisted that episode played no part in choosing Barcelona.
He said he tries to stay away from media noise and concentrate on the game, pointing to the Premier League culture he experienced at City as one centred on football.
Next, Rodri will be expected to become the controlling presence in Flick’s Barcelona midfield. The World Cup-winning Spain captain faces an immediate task: help a talented young group challenge Real Madrid for domestic supremacy.
