Courtois and Mourinho React to Rodri's Barcelona Decision
Thibaut Courtois has fired a pointed parting shot at Rodri after the Spanish midfielder chose Barcelona over Real Madrid.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper, never shy of an opinion, was asked about Rodri’s decision in the mixed zone after Real Madrid’s dramatic win over Espanyol in Catalonia. He didn’t bother dressing it up.
“Every player chooses where they want to be. If he didn't want to be with us, well, that's a pity... for him,” Courtois said. “In the end, he's a great player, but he made his choice, and that's it.”
The backdrop only added spice. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner had reportedly been staying at the same hotel as the Real Madrid squad before their game against Espanyol, a detail that inevitably lit up the transfer rumour mill.
Courtois brushed it off with a shrug.
“He stays in our hotel? Well, the hotel is big, there will be many people there,” he added, cutting down the drama with one line.
Mourinho draws the line
If Courtois went for the sting, Jose Mourinho opted for cold clarity.
The new Real Madrid boss laid out how the move slipped away, making it clear the club had pushed hard but would not chase a player who hesitated.
“I spoke to him a couple of times and Real Madrid made him a very good offer,” Mourinho explained. “I think there is a very good relationship with City. Without negotiating with City, the club made contact with Rodri, they made him a major offer. Rodri had doubts, he hesitated and Rodri’s doubts created doubts for me.”
That was the turning point. Once the midfielder wavered, Mourinho shut the door.
For the Portuguese coach, the badge comes first, and so does conviction. If a player is not all-in from the first call, Madrid move on.
No Rodri, no panic
Talk that Madrid might now be light in midfield drew an immediate, almost impatient response from Mourinho. He is not interested in the narrative of the one that got away.
“I am not lacking Rodri,” he stated firmly. “We are not lacking players. I’m not saying there won’t be any more signings because the market is open, but if you ask me directly if it’s closed for me… yes. It is closed. I really like the squad.”
For Madrid, the message from both the dressing room and the dugout is blunt. Rodri chose Barcelona. Courtois and Mourinho have already moved on. The question now is whether the season will prove that Rodri walked away from something bigger than he found.
