Rodri Reveals Why He Chose Barcelona Over Real Madrid

Rodri has revealed that Real Madrid made a serious attempt to sign him before he eventually chose Barcelona, with José Mourinho personally expressing his desire to bring the Ballon d'Or winner to the Spanish capital.

The Spain midfielder explained that Mourinho shared his enthusiasm about signing him and outlined his footballing ideas during the negotiations.

Rodri admitted that Mourinho's approach attracted him, describing the Portuguese as a top coach. He also revealed that he later contacted Mourinho to thank him for the interest and the way Real Madrid handled the situation.

However, Rodri ultimately decided that Barcelona offered him the better sporting opportunity.

The midfielder said his decision was based on where he believed he could continue developing as a footballer. Barcelona's project under Hansi Flick and the club's plans for him convinced him to choose Camp Nou over the Bernabéu.

“Deciding against Madrid isn't easy,” Rodri explained, while also praising the way the club treated him throughout the process.

Real Madrid were not the only people trying to influence his decision.

Spain teammate Marc Cucurella has revealed that he personally hoped Rodri would join him at Madrid. The left-back admitted that he sent Rodri a subtle message before the midfielder's decision became public, telling him that he hoped they would become teammates.

Rodri's response was reportedly along the lines of “we'll see”, according to Cucurella's account to El Larguero.

Cucurella said he deliberately avoided putting pressure on Rodri because he considered the transfer a personal decision.

In the end, Rodri chose Barcelona — leaving Real Madrid and Cucurella to watch the Ballon d'Or winner begin a new chapter elsewhere in Spain.