Rodri explains why he preferred Barça over Real Madrid.
After leaving Manchester City to join FC Barcelona, Rodri reflected on his career choice. While Real Madrid was also interested in the Spanish midfielder, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner claims to have prioritized sporting criteria over any financial considerations.
Rodri chose FC Barcelona after leaving Manchester City at the end of the 2026 World Cup. The 30-year-old Spanish midfielder joined the Catalan club for a fee of £65.4 million. Before committing to Barça, the Spanish international was also reported to be on the radar of Real Madrid. José Mourinho, eager to rebuild the Madrid midfield, reportedly made his recruitment a priority.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rodri explained the reasons that led him to rule out a move to Madrid. The player acknowledges that the decision was not easy, especially considering the relationship he has with the Spanish capital club. “ Saying no to Real Madrid was not easy, especially after all the good they have done for me ,” Rodri said.
The midfielder assures that he has prioritized his sporting development over financial considerations. “ I made my decision based on sporting aspects, what excited me the most, and where I felt I could win and progress the most as a player ,” he explained. With this move to FC Barcelona, Rodri thus begins a new chapter in his career, with the ambition to continue his development and establish himself as one of the key figures in the Catalan project.
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