Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has revealed that Rodri’s hesitation over joining the Spanish giants contributed to the club losing the midfielder to Barcelona.
Rodri completed his move from Manchester City to Barcelona on Tuesday, signing a contract until June 2030 in a deal reportedly worth €60 million plus add-ons.
The Spain international had been a major target for Real Madrid, with the club reportedly making an attractive offer for the 30-year-old midfielder.
Mourinho, speaking on Spanish television program El Chiringuito, said he personally spoke with Rodri but felt the player was uncertain about the move.
“I spoke with Rodri a couple of times. Real Madrid made him a very good offer, but Rodri had doubts,” Mourinho said.
The Portuguese manager added that Rodri’s uncertainty also made him question whether the midfielder was fully committed to joining Madrid.
“He’s an extraordinary player. But Real Madrid are so big that we can’t have players who think twice,” Mourinho said.
Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona, ending his seven-year spell at Manchester City and returning to LaLiga. The move comes after Barcelona emerged as his preferred destination when negotiations between the midfielder and Real Madrid broke down.
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