Khaberni - José Mourinho, the coach of Real Madrid, talked about Rodri's decision to join Barcelona during an extensive interview with the program "El Chiringuito" on Wednesday, confirming that the latter's hesitation made him feel doubtful about the deal.
Rodri officially moved to Barcelona on Tuesday, after the Spanish midfielder chose the Catalan club over Real Madrid, although negotiations with the Madrid club had reached a very advanced stage.
The former Manchester City midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 and recently won the World Cup with the Spanish national team as the team's captain, signed a four-year contract with Barcelona.
When asked whether Rodri's failure to join Real Madrid was a hard blow, Mourinho insisted that the club already has solutions and outstanding talents: No, I do not miss Rodri, we have solutions, we have talents (...) I like to believe that I have the capacity to develop players.
Mourinho also confirmed that he spoke with Rodri several times, and made it clear that Real Madrid had made him a very good offer.
He explained: I spoke with him several times, and Real Madrid made him an excellent offer. I believe there is a great relationship with Manchester City. Without directly negotiating with his club, the club contacted Rodri and made him a tempting offer. But Rodri had his doubts, he hesitated... and his doubts planted doubts in myself. Real Madrid is a club of this caliber, and cannot afford to have hesitant players.
