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José Mourinho resorted to his trademark spin when pressed on the uncomfortable subject of losing out on Rodri to Barcelona. Rather than acknowledging a straightforward defeat to their fiercest Clásico rivals, Mourinho claimed it was he who harbored "doubts" about Rodri, not the other way around.
Rodri had been linked with Real Madrid for some time. The former Manchester City midfielder's own public comments did little to quell the speculation, which intensified following his outstanding World Cup campaign. However, in an unexpected turn, it was Barcelona who surged ahead, pushing Madrid aside before agreeing a staggering $87.8 million (€76.5 million at the time) fee for the 30-year-old.
"I spoke with him on a couple of occasions, and Real Madrid put a very strong offer on the table," Mourinho disclosed in an interview with El Chiringuito. "I believe there's a solid relationship with City. Without formally negotiating with City, the club had been in touch with Rodri and presented him with a significant offer."
In Mourinho's telling, the deal fell apart due to a perceived lack of commitment from the Madrid-born midfielder. "Rodri had doubts; he hesitated," the seasoned media operator claimed, "and Rodri's doubts ended up making me doubt as well."
Madrid are not expected to bring in another midfielder to cover the role Rodri had been lined up for, effectively delaying the task of replacing Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos by at least another six months. Nevertheless, Madrid's head coach has insisted he won't "miss Rodri."
When it was suggested to Mourinho that this could be seen as a "victory" for Barcelona, former Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano offered his own pointed assessment of the €75 million deal: "Rodri's transfer is worth €35 million for what it brings to Barcelona and €40 million for what it takes away from Madrid."
Mourinho remained unmoved: "Victories happen on the pitch; they're the trophies. That's where the real victories are."
Why Rodri Chose Barcelona Over Real Madrid
Barcelona have always had a special relationship with Spanish midfielders.
Pep Guardiola. Luis Enrique. Xavi. Sergio Busquets. Andrés Iniesta. Thiago Alcântara. Cesc Fàbregas. Pedri. Generations of maestros have shaped the club's identity - built on an obsession with the ball.… pic.twitter.com/oTWm4iQNmI
Following confirmation of his move, Rodri acknowledged it had been a "tough decision" to join Barcelona. Leaving Manchester City after seven years weighed heavily on his mind, as did the competing interest from Madrid. Yet, in the end, there was seemingly only one real option.
"It's true I had another offer, but Barça was the first option and I told the board here that."
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That preference was rooted in the club's history and present identity. While praising the caliber of players he would be joining at Camp Nou — many of whom shared in Spain's World Cup triumph — Rodri pointed to the club's storied tradition of intricate passing football. "Barcelona has always been a reference for me because of the values and the playing style here," he said enthusiastically.
Playing style is cited by The Athletic as one of the primary factors behind Rodri's decision to favor Barcelona over Real Madrid. Hansi Flick's high-pressing, possession-oriented league champions represent a far closer stylistic match than the uncertainty of Mourinho's Madrid, which is widely expected to be built around his favored model of rapid transitions.
Flick himself is believed to have personally contacted the midfielder, who also received direct appeals from members of Madrid's squad. Ultimately, however, the allure of Barcelona proved impossible to resist.