Rodri Shares Details of Private Call with Mourinho After Choosing Barcelona Over Real Madrid

Rodri, the high-profile signing for Barcelona this summer, has revealed the intense efforts made by Real Madrid to secure his signature. The Spanish midfielder disclosed that Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid's manager, personally called him to persuade him to join the Santiago Bernabeu.

A Tough Decision Between Spain’s Football Giants

After a successful run under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, the 30-year-old found himself caught in a fierce competition between Spain’s two football powerhouses. His move to Barcelona stands out as one of the most significant transfers in recent La Liga seasons.

Rodri said Mourinho had reached out directly to share his vision for the midfielder’s role at Real Madrid. He expressed surprise that details of their conversation became public but kept respect for the approach shown by Mourinho.

A Respectful Decline

Rodri acknowledged that although he valued the interest from Real Madrid, his commitment was to the project being developed at Barcelona. He felt it was important to handle the interaction professionally due to Mourinho’s standing in football.

"I don't think it's right to reveal private conversations, but he made clear his desire for me to join and explained what I could bring to the team," Rodri told Mundo Deportivo. "The treatment was very good. When I decided, I also called him to thank him for his interest and how he treated me. He's a fantastic coach who has proven himself everywhere he's been, and Real Madrid will be a tough competitor this season."

Staying Focused Amid External Rumors

During the transfer window, rumors suggested political links involving presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme might have affected Real Madrid’s pursuit. Rodri dismissed those claims, emphasizing his focus remained solely on his national team duties during that period.

"Honestly, I stayed away from all of that because, if I recall correctly, it happened during the World Cup and I was focused on what is now the biggest achievement of my career," he said.

Camp Nou’s Pull Outweighs Other Offers

The attraction of joining Barcelona ultimately outweighed Mourinho’s personal appeal and any external influences. Rodri's arrival marks an important step for Barcelona as they aim to regain their position at the top of Spanish and European football.

His skill in managing game tempo and defensive acumen were key factors in Barcelona’s decision, as the club looks ahead to challenging Real Madrid for titles. Inevitably, Rodri will face the very manager he turned down on La Liga’s biggest stage.

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