Rodri Opens Up About Rejecting Real Madrid and Phone Call with Mourinho Before Joining Barcelona
Rodri Shares Details of Mourinho’s Call After Choosing Barcelona Over Real Madrid
Rodri, Barcelona’s standout summer signing, has revealed the private conversation he had with Jose Mourinho during his transfer saga. The Spanish midfielder was heavily pursued by Real Madrid but ultimately opted to join Barcelona.
A Tough Decision Between Two Spanish Giants
The arrival of Rodrigo Hernández at Barcelona marks one of the most notable moves in recent La Liga history. After thriving under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, the 30-year-old found himself in a fierce competition between Spain’s top clubs for his signature.
Rodri disclosed that Mourinho personally contacted him to share his vision and convince him to sign for Real Madrid. He admitted surprise that their conversation became public but spoke respectfully about Mourinho's approach.
A Respectful Decline to Mourinho’s Offer
Rodri appreciated the interest from Mourinho but felt drawn to Barcelona’s sporting project. He emphasized keeping professionalism with Mourinho out of respect for the coach’s reputation. When asked about their exchange, Rodri chose to keep the dialogue confidential but acknowledged Mourinho’s sincere effort.
"I don't think it's right to reveal a private conversation, but obviously he expressed his wish for me to join and what I could add to the team," Rodri told Mundo Deportivo. "The treatment was very good. When I made my choice, I also called him to thank him for the interest and the way he handled things. I think he's a fantastic coach; he's proven it wherever he’s been, and Real Madrid will be a tough competitor in this league."
Ignoring Off-Field Rumours During Transfer Window
Various rumours swirled around Rodri’s transfer, including alleged links to presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme possibly affecting Madrid’s interest. The midfielder said he stayed focused on his national team commitments during this period.
"Honestly, I was on the sidelines of all that because it happened, if I recall correctly, during the World Cup and I was concentrated on achieving what is now the most important milestone in my career," Rodri explained.
Barcelona’s Key Signing in the Battle Against Madrid
The pull of Camp Nou was stronger than Mourinho’s personal appeal or external distractions. Rodri’s signing signals a pivotal step for Barcelona as they aim to regain dominance in Spain and Europe. His control over the game’s rhythm and defensive skill were exactly what Barcelona wanted for their long-term plans.
With Real Madrid expected to remain their main rival for the La Liga title, Rodri will face the club and coach he decided against, adding an extra edge to future encounters.
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