Rodri details rejection of Real Madrid and choice to join Barcelona on sporting grounds

Negotiations after the World Cup

Barcelona midfielder Rodri revealed details of his summer transfer from Manchester City during an appearance on El Partidazo de COPE with Juanma Castaño. The Spanish international stated that he remained completely unaware of transfer inquiries during the 2026 World Cup, learning about offers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and several other clubs only during Spain's victory parade. Rodri described leaving Manchester City, following the exit of manager Pep Guardiola, as the most difficult decision of his career because of what the club gave him across multiple seasons. Once his departure from England was set, Real Madrid pursued his signature directly and maintained what the player termed exemplary conduct throughout the process. Rodri held direct conversations with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who outlined the tactical structure and explained what he wanted from the midfielder.

The treatment with Mourinho was very good. He conveyed his desire to me, his idea of the game, what I could contribute to them, what he wanted from me, and that attracted me a lot.

Sporting criteria and tactical fit

Despite the strong interest and enthusiastic overtures from the Real Madrid hierarchy, Rodri opted to sign for Barcelona based purely on sporting criteria. The midfielder rejected claims that money or emotional biases played any role in the final determination. Instead, he prioritized his tactical development, his personal interpretation of the game, and the opportunity to serve as a leader for a young Barcelona squad. Rodri also pointed to Barcelona's long-term competitive trajectory as a decisive factor in his choice. The club has opened the domestic campaign at the top of La Liga with a perfect record and 31 goals scored.

My decision was for a more footballing reason: where I could grow and contribute more, lead a team full of young players and with the way I understand the game. There were no sentimental issues, nor money.

Physical demands under Hansi Flick

Since completing his move to Barcelona, the midfielder has adapted to a demanding training setup under head coach Hansi Flick. Rodri admitted that he expected Barcelona sessions to focus almost exclusively on traditional passing rondos and possession exercises, only to encounter severe physical workloads in his first weeks. The midfielder noted his satisfaction with his early months at the club, which extended its lead over Real Madrid following Atletico Madrid's recent derby victory. In that derby, Mourinho's side struggled to generate play with an initial midfield pairing of Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde before Bernardo Silva entered late.

Views on the upcoming Ballon d'Or

During the radio interview, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner addressed the next edition of the individual award, which will be presented in one month. Rodri expressed a preference for a Spanish player to win the trophy, identifying teammate Lamine Yamal alongside Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and defender Pau Cubarsi among the standout candidates. He defended Barcelona's right to campaign for Yamal while expressing surprise that teammates Pedri and Raphinha were left off the 30-man nominee shortlist. Rodri also voiced clear backing for Spain national team manager Luis de la Fuente for the coach category.

If anyone deserves the coach Ballon d'Or, it is him.