Spain captain and Ballon d`Or winner Rodri has officially joined Barcelona from Manchester City, but newly appointed Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho insists his club did not need the star midfielder, according to The Associated Press and Al Jazeera.
In an interview with the Spanish television show El Chiringuito on Tuesday, Mourinho revealed the behind-the-scenes details of Real Madrid`s failed bid to sign the 30-year-old. The Portuguese manager confirmed that Real Madrid made a highly lucrative offer to Rodri, taking advantage of their positive institutional relationship with Manchester City. Mourinho said he personally spoke with the midfielder twice during the negotiations to convince him to move to the Spanish capital.
However, Rodri hesitated to commit to the move, which ultimately soured the deal for Mourinho. The veteran manager stated that players who doubt their desire to play for Real Madrid are not suited for the club`s high-pressure environment.
"What I think happened is that his doubts have created doubts for me," Mourinho explained during the broadcast. "He is an extraordinary player and was very correct with us. But Real Madrid is of such a stature that it cannot have players who think twice about being with the club."
Just hours before Barcelona officially announced Rodri`s arrival on Tuesday, Real Madrid presented Mourinho in an unusual private ceremony closed to fans and the media. Mourinho was hired in June and officially took charge in July to lead the team through their preseason preparations. After two consecutive seasons without a major title, the club`s administration is relying on the experienced manager to restore their domestic dominance.
Addressing the media, Mourinho downplayed the significance of missing out on the 2026 World Cup`s best player. He confidently stated that Real Madrid already possesses the necessary talent to compete at the highest level in European football.
"I don’t need Rodri. We have solutions, quality players," Mourinho stated, emphasizing that Barcelona did not gain a definitive upper hand over Real Madrid by securing the signing. "Victories are won on the field; they are won with titles."
Real Madrid has been highly active in the transfer market this summer to reinforce a squad that struggled in recent campaigns. The club successfully acquired several high-profile players, including Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Yan Diomande. Notably, Silva also transferred from Manchester City, further depleting the English club`s midfield options following Rodri`s departure.
Despite the influx of new talent, Mourinho indicated that his shopping spree has concluded. Although the transfer window remains open, the manager confirmed he is completely satisfied with the current roster and does not expect any further arrivals before the deadline.
Rodri’s transfer to Barcelona marks a significant shift in La Liga`s power dynamics. The midfielder leaves Manchester City after an illustrious seven-year spell that included four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy. His move to Catalonia, reportedly worth 76.5 million euros, provides Barcelona with a proven winner as they aim to secure their third consecutive league title.
Real Madrid will test their revamped squad this Saturday when they open their La Liga campaign away against Espanyol.
