Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has this week opened up on a recent conversation between he and new Barcelona signing Rodri.
This of course comes after Los Blancos were beaten to a deal for the 30-year-old, after at one point looking the clear favourites to bring Rodri back to his home country of Spain.
The Ballon d’Or winner is for his part fresh off being unveiled as the latest addition to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona ranks on Tuesday evening. After the Blaugrana agreed to meet the demands of the Manchester City board ahead of the expiration of Rodri’s contract terms next summer, the engine room standout wasted no time in putting the finishing touches on a dream Camp Nou switch.
And yet, had things played out differently, it could have been La Liga’s other leading club who headed into the upcoming campaign bolstered by the talents of one of world football’s finest.
Real Madrid also expressed a keen interest in bringing Rodri in last month, only to be dealt a heavy setback upon being informed that the player himself had opted to head to their most bitter rivals.
Speaking during an interview with El Chiringuito TV (as cited by Fabrizio Romano) this week, the aforementioned José Mourinho was therefore drawn on the Rodri saga. And the Portuguese went on to reveal that he held personal talks with the former Villarreal man prior to his final decision:
“I personally spoke to Rodri a couple of times. Real Madrid made him an important proposal. But then… Rodri had doubts. His doubts created doubts in me about signing him.
“Rodri is an extraordinary player, but Real Madrid is a different dimension. Real Madrid can not have players who think twice. You get the call and say: When do you want me there?”
Conor Laird – GSFN
