Rodri Joins Barcelona After Rejecting Mourinho’s Real Madrid Approach
Rodri has joined Barcelona after choosing the Camp Nou project over Real Madrid, despite a personal approach from Jose Mourinho.
The 30-year-old midfielder arrives in Catalonia following a successful spell at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, ending a high-profile battle between Spain’s two biggest clubs for his signature.
How Rodri made his decision
- Mourinho contacted Rodri directly to explain how he wanted to use the midfielder in Madrid and what he believed the player could add to his side.
- Rodri said he was surprised that details of what he considered a private discussion had emerged, but stressed that Mourinho’s treatment of him was excellent.
- The Spain international ultimately decided Barcelona’s sporting plan was the right fit. After reaching that conclusion, he called Mourinho to thank him for the interest and his approach.
- Rodri praised Mourinho’s record, describing him as a top coach with a proven history of success, while warning that Real Madrid will be formidable opponents in the league.
World Cup focus amid Madrid speculation
Madrid’s pursuit was complicated by reports linking Rodri to presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, although the midfielder said he was detached from those stories.
He said the speculation unfolded during the World Cup, when his only priority was Spain and the achievement he regards as the biggest of his career.
Barcelona believe Rodri’s control in possession and defensive reading of games can be central to their longer-term rebuild. His move also adds another major edge to the title fight, with Madrid and Mourinho now set to face the player they could not persuade to join them.
