Rodri: Saying no to Real Madrid was not easy

Rodri explained how tough it was to decline Real Madrid as he opened up on his decision to join Barcelona.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner joined Barca from Manchester City this summer.

Rodri was superb in Spain's successful World Cup campaign, and he has slotted into a Barca team that have started the season in remarkable fashion.

Hansi Flick's side have won all five of their matches, plundering 26 goals.

However, Rodri might well have ended up at Barca's rivals, Madrid, but he chose to turn down Los Blancos.

"I would like to have had a more relaxed holiday this summer, but that was not the case," Rodri told Mundo Deportivo.

"I had to analyse a lot of things and make a big decision between two of the best clubs in the world. In the end, I was guided by sporting aspects, by what excited me a little more and picking where I felt I could win and grow most as a player.

"It wasn't easy at all. Saying no to Madrid is not easy, above all when their behaviour with me was exemplary. In the end, [Barca sporting director] Deco and Hansi convinced me."

Jose Mourinho previously claimed he sensed doubts in Rodri's commitment to joining Madrid, and that is why the proposed transfer broke down.

Rodri, who has now ticked beyond 100 LaLiga appearances, explained he spoke with Mourinho once his mind was made up.

"I don't want to reveal a private conversation, but evidently he expressed his desire for me to go there and explained what he felt I would bring to the team.

"He was very good with me. When I made the decision, I also called him to thank him for the interest and the way he was with me.

"He is a great coach, he has demonstrated it across many years, and Real Madrid are going to be a tough rival in the league this season."