Rodri explains why he rejected Real Madrid

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14/10/26 21:00:00

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Rodri has confirmed that the Real Madrid transfer market attempted to sign him during the summer of 2026, before the 30-year-old midfielder chose Barcelona. The player acknowledges that there were direct conversations with the "Blancos," but he ended up prioritizing the Blaugrana's sports project.

The operation concluded with Rodri joining Barcelona from Manchester City for around 60 million fixed euros plus 11 in variables, with a contract until June 30, 2030. The agreement was officially sealed on August 18th.

Rodri confirms Real Madrid's attempt

Rodri explained, in statements to 'Cadena COPE,' that Real Madrid not only showed interest but also presented a proposal to convince him. The midfielder mentioned that he had conversations with representatives of the White Club and received clear signs that they wanted to bring him in.

The player did not specify whether he had direct talks with Florentino Pérez. When asked that question, he avoided confirming or denying contact with the Madrid's president, although he did acknowledge that the club's interactions made his decision more complex.

The Madrid interest had also been known before the transfer window closed. In August, Rodri finally informed Real Madrid that his decision was to sign with Barcelona, after considering both options for continuing his career following his time at Manchester City.

The choice was not solely related to financial terms. Rodri explained in another interview that his decision was mainly based on sporting criteria and where he believed he could continue to grow as a footballer.

🚨 RODRI CONFIRMS REAL MADRID ATTEMPTED TO SIGN HIM

🗣️ Rodri: "Real Madrid really tried everything. They wanted to sign me, we had direct talks, and they came with everything they had to make it happen"

😮 "They made my decision difficult. I'm grateful"... pic.com/zFKQuiz69d

— Post United (@postunited) September 23, 2026

Barcelona convinced Rodri with their sports project

Barcelona ended up prevailing in an operation that closed with 60 million fixed euros and variables that could raise the cost above 70 million according to various reports. Rodri's signed contract is for four seasons, until 2030.

Deco explained during the transfer window that Barça did not sign Rodri only to beat Real Madrid to it. The Barça's sports director argued that the deal was a sporting decision and that the midfielder fit the squad's needs.

Rodri himself later confirmed that Barcelona was his first choice when he decided to leave Manchester City. His arrival followed six seasons in England, where he played 298 matches and won four Premier League titles and a Champions League, according to Reuters.

The decision also had a personal dimension for Rodri, but the publicly repeated reason was sporting. While Real Madrid put all their resources on the table to convince him, the midfielder understood that Barcelona offered the scenario he sought to continue his evolution.

Now, with the transfer window closed and the contract signed until 2030, the next chapter will be to see how Rodri establishes himself in Barcelona's midfield and what impact his choice has on Real Madrid's future moves. Florentino Pérez will have to look for other alternatives for a position that the White Club identified during the summer as one of their priorities.

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