Rodri reveals Mourinho call: 'Saying no to Real Madrid is not easy'

After several years shining in the Premier League with Manchester City, Rodri was the standout signing of the Barcelona summer transfer window.

In a fierce battle between the Blaugrana, last season’s champions, and their great rivals Real Madrid, Hansi Flick’s new arrival explained why he chose the Catalan side.

"I have to thank City for everything it gave me; it was seven unforgettable years personally and in football terms. From there, when Barcelona’s option came up, I understood it was the best move for me for many reasons. I have always based my decisions on the sporting side, on where I believe I can win, be happy and, above all, grow as a player. That is why I backed Barça, also because of the generation of players they have and what Hansi is managing to build," said the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.

"A lot of things had to be analysed and an important decision had to be made involving two of the best clubs in the world. In the end, I decided based on the sporting side, on what made me want it a little more and on where I felt I could win and develop more as a player.

"It was by no means an easy decision; saying 'no' to Real Madrid is not easy, especially because they behaved impeccably with me."

Although he did not accept José Mourinho's invitation to join Los Blancos, Rodri says he is a big admirer of the Special One’s qualities.

"Well, I don’t think it is his style to reveal a private conversation, but of course he expressed his wish for me to go and what I could add to the team. The treatment was very good. When I made the decision, I also called him to thank him for the interest and the way he treated me.

"He seems like a top-class coach; he has already shown that everywhere he has been, in his great spells, and Real Madrid are going to be a difficult opponent in this league," concluded the World Cup winner.

With a flying start at Barcelona, Rodri could establish himself as a key figure in midfield over the course of the season. Next weekend, the Catalan side will be aiming for a sixth straight La Liga win at Camp Nou, against Racing Santander.

Without Rodri and three points off the top, but with signings Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Yann Diomande and company, Mourinho's Madrid are still chasing their great rivals