Posted by Chinenye on Thu 24th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
Barcelona midfielder Rodri has revealed that he had several talks with Real Madrid boss José Mourinho before deciding where to continue his career.
(Barcelona midfielder Rodri. Photo by BBC News)
Barcelona midfielder Rodri has said he spoke at length with Real Madrid manager José Mourinho before choosing to join their LaLiga rivals.
In an interview with an online sports outlet, Rodri revealed that Mourinho wanted him badly and shared his football ideas and the way he would play at the Bernabeu.
Ultimately, Rodri joined Barcelona from Manchester City for 65.4 million pounds.
Rodri said Real Madrid tried hard and Mourinho shared his eagerness to bring him in and his football plan, which attracted him greatly because Mourinho is a top coach.
But he decided to go to Barcelona instead of Madrid based on what was best for his career because he can grow much more there.