Rodri called Jose Mourinho after choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid

Rodri says he contacted Jose Mourinho after deciding to join Barcelona, despite having received a strong offer of interest from the Real Madrid manager before completing his move to the Catalan club.

The Barcelona midfielder told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo that Mourinho had explained both his desire to sign him and the contribution he believed Rodri could make to his team.

“Jose Mourinho expressed his desire for me to join him and spoke about what I could bring to the team. The way he dealt with me was very good,” said Rodri.

“When I made my decision, I also called him to thank him for his interest and for the way he had treated me. I consider him a great manager, and he has already proved that wherever he has worked.”

Rodri said the discussions between the two men were marked by mutual respect. Mourinho also praised the midfielder’s conduct throughout the transfer process and the way he handled his decision.

“He is an exceptional player and was extremely polite with us. There is nothing negative to say,” Mourinho told Spanish programme El Chiringuito.

Rodri explained that his choice was based on a sporting perspective, while acknowledging that deciding between Barcelona and Real Madrid had been difficult.

“It is not easy to say no to Real Madrid, especially because they treated me perfectly,” he said.