Mourinho Reveals Real Madrid’s Pursuit of Rodri Before Barcelona Transfer
Jose Mourinho has disclosed details about Real Madrid’s unsuccessful attempt to recruit Spanish midfielder Rodri, revealing that he personally engaged with the player ahead of his eventual transfer to Barcelona.
Rodri, 30, has now officially transferred from Manchester City to Barcelona, signing a four-year contract that extends his stay at the club until the summer of 2030. Prior to the momentum of his Barcelona move, he had been prominently linked with a return to Spain through Real Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid was substantial enough for Mourinho to directly communicate with Rodri. These discussions appear to have influenced the direction in which the negotiations traveled. Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, the new Real Madrid manager noted that while he holds Rodri in high regard as a player, he began to have reservations about whether the midfielder was fully committed to making the move to Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho expressed, “Rodri is an extraordinary player, but Real Madrid is a different dimension. Real Madrid cannot have players who think twice. You get the call and say: ‘When do you want me there?'” He confirmed, “Did I speak to Rodri? Yes, a couple of times. Real Madrid made him a generous offer. Rodri had doubts. His doubts created doubts in me.”
Regarding Rodri, he confirmed that he had received interest from several major clubs before arriving at his decision. He indicated that he weighed various sporting opportunities available to him before finalizing his next steps with trusted individuals in his circle.
“I studied and analysed the offers I received; they were very important clubs. Together with my family and friends, we made the decision we thought was best. My decisions have always been linked to a sporting challenge,” he stated.
Ultimately, Barcelona secured Rodri’s services, concluding what has become one of the most significant transfers of the window. The total fee for his transfer is estimated to reach €76.5 million, with €60 million guaranteed, complemented by €11.5 million in easily achievable variables and an additional €5 million contingent on more complex conditions.
Jose Mourinho has lifted the lid on Real Madrid’s failed attempt to sign Rodri, revealing that he personally spoke with the Spanish midfielder before his eventual move to Barcelona.
The 30-year-old has now completed his transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona, signing a four-year contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.
Advertisement
However, before Rodri’s Barcelona transfer gathered momentum, the midfielder had been heavily linked with a return to Spain through Real Madrid.
What’s the story?
Real Madrid’sinterest was serious enough for Mourinho himself to hold talks with the player, and those conversations appear to have changed the direction of the operation.
Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, the new Real Madrid manager explained that while he admired Rodri as a player, he began to question whether the midfielder was fully convinced about making the move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho reveals he spoke to Rodri. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Advertisement
“Rodri is an extraordinary player, but Real Madrid is a different dimension. Real Madrid cannot have players who think twice.
“You get the call and say: ‘When do you want me there?’
“Did I speak to Rodri? Yes, a couple of times. Real Madrid made him a generous offer. Rodri had doubts. His doubts created doubts in me,” he added.
Rodri considered several offers before choosing Barcelona
As far as Rodri is concerned, he had already confirmed that he received approaches from several major clubs before deciding on his next destination.
The Spanish international explained that he carefully considered the sporting opportunities available to him before reaching a decision with the people closest to him.
Rodri has signed for Barcelona for four years. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Advertisement
“I studied and analysed the offers I received; they were very important clubs.
“Together with my family and friends, we made the decision we thought was best. My decisions have always been linked to a sporting challenge,” he said.
Barcelona ultimately won the race for the former Manchester City midfielder, completing one of their biggest deals of the transfer window.
The total transfer fee Barcelona paid for Rodri is expected to reach €76.5 million.
Of that figure, €60 million is understood to be guaranteed, while €11.5 million consists of easily achievable variables. The remaining €5 million is linked to more difficult conditions.
[/gpt3]