Barcelona midfielder Rodri has said Real Madrid’s strong interest in signing him made his decision to join Barcelona more difficult, but he was ultimately persuaded by the club’s sporting project.
The Spain international said Madrid made their interest clear from the beginning and that people at the club had expressed their desire for him to move to the Bernabeu. Rodri said he appreciated their approach, but the prospect of joining Barcelona’s current project proved decisive.
“Madrid showed an interest right from the start; they behaved impeccably, and their offers were aimed at securing the player – I want to make that clear,” Rodri said.
“I don’t know what ‘going all out’ means exactly, but it’s clear they were interested and went all out in showing that interest, which I appreciate because I spoke to some of them.
“Did I speak to Florentino [Perez]? I’m going to keep that to myself; I spoke to people there who conveyed their enthusiasm and eagerness for me to join them, which made my decision more difficult.”
Rodri said there was no single conversation that determined his choice. Instead, he said it was down to Barcelona’s sporting direction and his belief in the players coming through at the club.
“It wasn’t for a specific moment; it was a sports-related matter,” Rodri said. “I think this generation of Barça is going to give a lot to talk about.”
The midfielder also backed Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in the Ballon d’Or debate but said the award is more open than it was during the period dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I think it’s fair for the club to believe he deserves it. I have the feeling that many players deserve it,” he said.
“I’m a humble guy; I think it’s great that the best in the world are being considered. Now everything is more open than in the Messi and Cristiano era.”
Absolute class. ✨ pic.twitter.com/bsw7YM4eIP
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 20, 2026
Rodri questioned the absence of Barcelona’s Raphinha and Pedri from the 30-man shortlist, with the Brazilian receiving particular praise.
“It’s hard to understand how they’re not among the 30,” he said. “Raphinha is by far the player who’s surprised me the most.”
The 30-year-old also discussed Atletico Madrid’s derby victory over Real Madrid, saying Diego Simeone’s side deserved their win while accepting that some refereeing decisions could have been different.
“In footballing terms, it was an evenly matched game,” he said. “I think Atletico Madrid were the better side, more present on the pitch, made better decisions, dictated the game, and I think they fully deserved the win.
Rodri also addressed the challenges involving Cristian Romero and Kang-in Lee, although he preferred to focus on the football rather than the refereeing controversy.
“And then there are incidents that could have been handled differently,” Rodri said. “I don’t think anyone would deny that. Cristian’s challenge is a bit trickier because I’m not sure whether he could have pulled his foot away or not.
“And perhaps in Kang-in’s case, though I don’t think he did it on purpose, a red card could have been given.”
Rodri has also begun working under Hansi Flick at Barcelona and contrasted the German’s methods sharply with those of his former Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola.
“It doesn’t resemble Guardiola in the slightest,” he said. “The first 4 days they gave me a physical beating that wasn’t normal.”
