Real Madrid were the first club interested in signing Rodri this summer but Jose Mourinho had some reservations.
The midfielder has now joined Barcelona, who presented an attractive midfield project to the Spain international.
Mourinho, who was formally presented as Madrid’s new head coach on Tuesday, said he had spoken to Rodri “a couple of times” during discussions over a potential move from Manchester City.
“Real Madrid made him a very good offer,” Mourinho said. “Rodri had doubts, he doubted, and I think what happened is that the doubts Rodri had, gave me doubts.
“I think Real Madrid are so big that we can’t have players who think twice. That’s the concept. But he behaved properly with us, and I wish him well.”
Rodri move to Barcelona will fuel clásico rivalry
Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona will only throw more fuel into the fire of the rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona ahead of the new La Liga season.
Barcelona have won the title in each of the past two seasons and have beaten Madrid six times in their last seven meetings.
They also beat Madrid in the final to win the Copa del Rey in 2025, beat them twice to secure the Spanish Super Cup in 2025 and 2026, and most recently, beat them to secure the La Liga title at the end of last season.
Martes ✅ pic.twitter.com/OJtMsXQveF
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 18, 2026
Their rivals’ dominance and the pain of two consecutive seasons without a major trophy led Madrid to recall Mourinho to the Bernabeu. Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa were both dismissed last season.
ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho is back at Real Madrid. Here’s how it happened, and why
Mourinho said he had found a dressing room that was now determined to improve.
“I’ve found a dressing room with a lot of will to win,” he said. “I’ve found an open dressing room, with common sense.”
Mourinho also defended Kylian Mbappe after a difficult campaign for Madrid last season, saying the France forward was “incredible” and that “a lot of people failed last year”.
As a sign of their intent, Madrid have made six signings this summer and Mourinho said he was satisfied with the squad despite the transfer window remaining open. He did not rule out further business but indicated that he was not demanding more additions.
“No,” Mourinho said when asked whether he wanted further signings. “I won’t say there won’t be more, the market is open. But if you ask me if the squad is good, yes. I like the squad.”
