Barcelona’s summer signing Rodri just gave us the inside scoop on the phone calls he had with Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho, all before he ultimately chose Catalunya’s capital. This isn’t just transfer gossip, this is about one of the biggest decisions in Spanish football, with the World Cup winner himself picking a side in the eternal Clásico divide.
The Clásico Tug-of-War for Rodri
Rodri faced a massive decision this summer after deciding to leave his long-time club, Manchester City. Every major player wants to be courted by the best, and Rodri was no exception. He was sought after by the two giants in his home country, Barcelona and Real Madrid. For a minute there, it looked like Real Madrid had the edge. They were even considered the favorites to bring him back to La Liga. But when the dust settled, the 30-year-old midfielder made his choice, opting for the other half of that epic rivalry.
Mourinho’s Pitch and Rodri’s Response
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo this week, Rodri peeled back the curtain on his direct chats with José Mourinho. The Real Madrid boss was clearly trying to lure him to the Santiago Bernabéu. Rodri confirmed, “Mourinho called me and clearly expressed his desire for me to join the club. He treated me very well.” But here’s the kicker: Rodri went with Barcelona. He even called Mourinho back after making his decision, saying, “When I made my decision, I called him to thank him for his interest and for how he treated me.” Talk about keeping it classy!
This move isn’t just about a player; it’s a statement. Rodri chose Barcelona, and knowing he turned down a direct appeal from Mourinho just makes it sting even more for Real Madrid fans. It’s early in the season, but this kind of win in the transfer market sets a tone. Keep an eye on how Rodri performs; he’s already making waves.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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