Rodri thanked Mourinho: “Real Madrid treated me impeccably”

Rodri chose Barcelona, but he had no interest in attaching a convenient anti-Madrid story to his decision. Speaking to “Mundo Deportivo”, the midfielder revealed that he personally called José Mourinho once the transfer process was over. He wanted to thank the coach for his interest and for the way Real Madrid had treated him.

The Spain international confirmed that Real Madrid tried to convince him to move to the Santiago Bernabéu. Mourinho presented his plans and explained what Rodri could bring to the team. The midfielder refused to disclose the details of a private conversation, but made it clear that the contact with the Portuguese coach had been extremely positive.

REAL MADRID SHOWED CLASS THROUGHOUT

Rodri admitted that turning down Real Madrid was not an easy decision. He had to choose between Spain’s two biggest clubs, turning what should have been a quiet holiday into several weeks of analysing projects and considering the next stage of his career.

He eventually decided that Barcelona’s sporting proposal suited him better. Rodri pointed to the club’s generation of players and the team being built by Hansi Flick. At the same time, he stressed that Real Madrid’s conduct towards him had been exemplary throughout the talks.

That detail matters because the transfer was regularly presented in Barcelona’s media environment as a major victory over Madrid. Rodri’s version contained no story about humiliated executives, broken relationships or doors being slammed shut. Instead, he spoke about respect, a difficult choice and Madrid’s professional approach.

RODRI CALLED MOURINHO AFTER MAKING HIS CHOICE

Mourinho contacted Rodri directly to explain his expectations and the role the midfielder could have occupied at Real Madrid. Once Rodri had chosen Barcelona, he did not leave the final message to an agent. He called the Madrid coach himself.

Rodri thanked Mourinho for his interest and the quality of his treatment. He also described the Portuguese as a great coach whose career speaks for itself. The midfielder added that Real Madrid would be a very difficult opponent in the fight for the Spanish title.

This was not a sporting victory for Madrid. The club wanted the player and ultimately lost him to its biggest domestic rival. Rodri’s comments do show, however, that Madrid conducted the process in a way that earned respect rather than resentment.

BARCELONA’S SPORTING PROJECT MADE THE DIFFERENCE

Rodri explained that Deco and Hansi Flick did not place him under pressure. They outlined the role they had in mind, what he could offer on and off the pitch and why they wanted him to join their project. He appreciated the natural tone of the conversations and the family atmosphere presented by the club.

The midfielder also dismissed the suggestion that Barcelona had pursued him primarily to block a move to Real Madrid. According to Rodri, the discussions were based on football rather than money or an attempt to frustrate a rival.

Barcelona can celebrate signing an elite midfielder. The only awkward detail for anyone trying to sell the move as Real Madrid’s public humiliation is the player’s own account. Barcelona secured the signature, but Madrid left the negotiations with its reputation for professionalism firmly intact.