Barcelona are having a great season, thanks in part to Rodri, with the Spanish midfielder bringing stability and class to the Blaugrana midfield. Rodri was one of the hottest names in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid also showing interest in him, but in the end, the Spaniard chose Barça. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rodri initially focused on this important detail :
"I just wanted to spend two quiet weeks after the World Cup, but they weren't like that at all. I had to make a very important decision, I had to choose between the two most important clubs in the world. In the end, my choice was of a footballing nature, I chose a club that in my opinion would help me grow as a player. I have to emphasize that it was not easy to say no to Real Madrid, this because they behaved fantastically with me. Before rejecting them, I called Mourinho and thanked him for the interest shown ," said Rodri.
The best player of the "FIFA2026" World Cup then focused on Barcelona, on the details that led to his transfer to Hansi Flick's team: "I was very attracted by coach Hansi Flick's desire to improve every day and more. He is never satisfied, he never sets a limit. What are the objectives at Barça? I think the Champions League is a possible objective, but I don't believe we are the favorites to win. We need to understand where we come from, what we need to be champions. I believe we still need to improve in some aspects," Rodri emphasized, among other things, in his interview with Mundo Deportivo.
