Rodri explains Barcelona choice after Real Madrid talks

Rodri has described the Real Madrid approach he considered before joining Barcelona from Manchester City this summer, with BBC Sport reporting that the midfielder's choice centred on where he could best contribute to a young squad. The Spain international has since played in all but one match of Barcelona's perfect start to the campaign.

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In comments to Spanish radio station COPE, reported by the BBC's Guillem Balague, the 30-year-old said Madrid had handled their pursuit properly from the outset. He spoke with several people connected to the club, while new manager Jose Mourinho explained his plans for the team and the role he envisaged for Rodri. The welcome made the eventual decision more difficult.

According to Balague's report, Barcelona's group of young players, including several Rodri already knew, was central to the decision. The move offered a setting that suited his understanding of the game and where he believed he could make a difference. His arrival followed a Manchester City career that brought 12 major trophies, including the Champions League title secured by his winning goal in the 2023 final.

The BBC also reports that Rodri has begun informally mentoring Barcelona's academy graduates. He has been explaining aspects of the game to younger team-mates, with several already viewing him as someone to learn from. Although he does not hold the captaincy, the report describes his experience as an important addition to a dressing room that has lost senior figures in recent seasons.

Manager Hansi Flick has paired him with Pedri, with the two sharing responsibility for moving the ball and controlling the pace of matches. Balague reports that Flick sees positioning, possession and reading the game as the basis of their partnership. Rodri's arrival gives the coach a midfield profile the squad previously lacked.

Rodri has also outlined a clear difference between Flick's preparation and his experience under Pep Guardiola. He expected Barcelona training to emphasise possession exercises but instead encountered demanding gym work. The BBC report says Flick put late arrivals to pre-season through intensive physical preparation, a change Rodri has adapted to as he settles into his new club.