Rodri talks Flick, Lamine, Bernal, Alvarez, Busquets comparison after joining Barcelona: ‘This was my first choice’

Weeks of speculation have finally come to an end as Barcelona have officially announced Rodri as their new signing.

The Spanish midfield general becomes the third major signing of the summer for Barcelona, who are also expected to announce the signing of Joao Cancelo in the coming days.

Speaking for the first time since joining Barcelona, Rodri talked about his decision to join the Catalan camp as well as the club’s ongoing pursuit of Julian Alvarez, among other things.

Why Barcelona

Rodri began by expressing his delight at completing the move, while admitting it had not been an easy decision to leave Manchester City.

“I’d like to say that I’m very happy to be here. It’s a very special day, a very important new chapter in my career. It was a tough decision,” he said (h/t FC Barcelona).

“First, because I’m leaving Manchester City, a club that has given me everything and where I’ve been incredibly happy. I’ll be eternally grateful. I’m also grateful that they understood it was a good time to leave.”

Rodri in Barcelona ahead of his announcement. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

He went on to heap praise on Barcelona, adding that a move to Catalonia was always his first choice. This is important given that he was closely linked with a move to Real Madrid as well.

“Barcelona is a fantastic club, a global benchmark for its approach to football and the values it represents. I had other options, but Barcelona was my first choice, and I made that clear to Laporta,” he added.

Rodri elaborated that sporting ambition was at the heart of it.

“When offers came in, the first step was understanding that a chapter at my club had ended and it was time to look for a way out. It took me a while to accept that. It was the most special club I’ve ever been at.”

“I studied and analysed them; they were very important clubs. Together with my family and friends, we made the decision we thought was best. My decisions have always been linked to a sporting challenge,” he said.

On Flick, Busquets and his fitness

The midfielder revealed his early conversations with Hansi Flick had left him hugely motivated ahead of the new campaign.

“I spoke with Hansi. He conveyed his enthusiasm to me. I’m very motivated to train with him; he has a very bold style of play, which appeals to me a lot. I still have room for improvement, and he can help me develop further,” Rodri explained.

“I’ve been in closer contact with Deco and Jan. He’s a transparent coach; he tells you what he expects from you. He brings the experience the team needs. I want to inspire my teammates and contribute.”

Rodri also welcomed comparisons with Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets, describing the former midfielder as a role model.

“I said it back then. He’s been a great role model. I understand the comparison because of our position and style. It’s a privilege. We have different characteristics and things in common.”

“I’ve always admired him and tried to learn from him. Now he’s with the reserve team, so I’ll see him a bit more. A great friend, teammate, and role model,” he added.

On his fitness, the Spaniard was keen to stress he is available immediately following a minor procedure.

“I’m ready to play now. The operation was nothing serious, it was an outpatient procedure. I hope to be able to train normally tomorrow.

“Whatever the manager deems appropriate. I just need to finalise the transfer and get under Hansi’s orders as soon as possible.”

On Alvarez and his new teammates

Rodri was also asked about Barcelona’s ongoing pursuit of Julian Alvarez, though the midfielder came up with a rather diplomatic answer.

“I tend to be quite cautious with players who don’t belong to the club. I respect Atletico de Madrid. Julian is a great footballer, one of the best strikers.

“That’s all I can say. It’s clear that Deco and the management are always thinking about improving the squad,” he said.

Rodri believes Alvarez is one of the best strikers around. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The midfielder was full of praise for the welcome he has received, having trained with many of his new teammates over the past couple of months.

“I’ve been with many of my teammates for almost two months now, and it’s been a warm welcome. It’s a very young dressing room, eager to do important things.

“I hope to contribute to what they’ve brought me here for. I’m joining a cohesive and enthusiastic dressing room.”

Rodri singled out young midfielder Marc Bernal, vowing to help the teenager develop.

“I’m a 30-year-old player with experience that many players on this team don’t have. I’m here to contribute, to share my knowledge with my teammates. Marc has shown spectacular progress; he’s made an incredible recovery from his injury.”

“I hope to help him as much as I can and teach him what I think is important. He’ll be able to grow alongside me, and that’s what matters,” he noted.

Talking about the club’s midfield unit as a whole, the new signing added: “Barça have been growing tremendously in recent years. They’ve won two consecutive league titles, with all the difficulty that entails, and are on the verge of winning the long-awaited Champions League.

“One of the reasons isn’t just the present; it’s seeing the potential for the future. The midfield is spectacular. We have outstanding players in every position. I want to convey the desire to keep improving.”

Finally, talking about Lamine Yamal, Rodri was full of praise, saying: “He sees football as a team sport. We’re here to win trophies; we don’t pay that much attention to individual performances.

“It’s the result of doing things properly. Lamine is making incredible progress.”