Spanish midfielder Rodri has finally opened up on why he shunned a move to Real Madrid for Barcelona.
Rodri left Manchester City during the summer and despite Madrid leading the race for his signature, he ended up joining Hansi Flick’s team.
In an interview with COPE, the Spain international has now opened up on what convinced him to make the switch to Barcelona.
Asked about the extent of that pursuit, the Barcelona midfielder explained why it made his eventual choice harder.
Rodri in action during the La Liga EA Sports match between Sevilla and Barcelona (Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
”Madrid showed an interest right from the start; they behaved impeccably, and their offers were aimed at securing the player – I want to make that clear.
”I don’t know what ‘going all out’ means exactly, but it’s clear they were interested and went all out in showing that interest, which I appreciate because I spoke to some of them.
”Did I speak to Florentino? I’m going to keep that to myself; I spoke to people there who conveyed their enthusiasm and eagerness for me to join them, which made my decision more difficult.”
Rodri was then asked what ultimately pushed him towards Barcelona.
Rather than pointing to one particular conversation or moment, he stressed that his decision was based on the sporting project and his belief in the current generation.
”It wasn’t for a specific moment; it was a sports-related matter. “I think this generation of Barça is going to give a lot to talk about.”
A former winner, Rodri also backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or, acknowledging that Barcelona are justified in believing their young star deserves the award.
”I think it’s fair for the club to believe he deserves it. I have the feeling that many players deserve it.”
