Roncero warns Rodri of Champions League cost after Barcelona move

Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona rather than Real Madrid has prompted an angry and emotional response in Madrid, with journalist Tomas Roncero claiming the Spain midfielder has turned down “paradise” and may struggle to win the Champions League again.

Roncero, a prominent Real Madrid supporter and columnist for Spanish newspaper AS, expressed his frustration after Rodri finalised his future and chose Barcelona’s project over an offer from the Spanish capital.

The journalist began by praising Rodri’s standing in Spanish football, describing him as one of the country’s most important players.

“There was the best player in the national team, the best player at the World Cup, our Rodri. I say it, our Rodri. I will always love him,” Roncero said.

He claimed Real Madrid had reached a financial agreement with the player and had done everything required to complete the transfer. According to Roncero, the club’s proposal included a significant contract and could not have been improved.

“Real Madrid did everything perfectly, made an offer that could not be rejected, with a huge contract. Everything was perfect,” he said in a video published by AS.

Roncero argued that the situation changed after Barcelona officials and several influential figures around Rodri became involved. He referred to contact from sporting director Deco, president Joan Laporta and head coach Hansi Flick, as well as the influence of Pep Guardiola and Rodri’s former coach at Manchester City.

“Deco calls, then Laporta, Flick and Guardiola. He was at Atletico too… how are you going to go to Real Madrid, Rodri?” he said.

Although he accepted that Rodri’s choice may have been driven by personal feelings, Roncero said he believed the midfielder had missed a major opportunity by rejecting Real Madrid.

“He gave up paradise, man. Playing for Real Madrid is paradise,” he added.

Roncero then compared the two clubs’ sporting projects, arguing that Real Madrid had a clear advantage, particularly in European competition.

“At Barcelona there is no pressure. It has been 11 years without them even playing in a Champions League final,” he said.

He contrasted that record with Real Madrid’s recent European success, using a mocking tone to underline the difference between the clubs.

“At Real Madrid, the European cups are almost falling out of our pockets,” Roncero said.

He also ridiculed the conditions Rodri would face at Barcelona, pointing to the club’s temporary home at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic.

“You will be playing at Montjuic, in a stadium that is completely open, with deadly cold in winter, while the Santiago Bernabeu will be there, air-conditioned, extremely modern and beautiful,” he said.

Roncero accepted that Barcelona could give Rodri the chance to compete for domestic honours but questioned whether the midfielder would achieve his biggest European ambition there.

“You will not win your second Champions League there,” he said, referring to Rodri’s first Champions League title with Manchester City. The Spain international scored the winning goal in the 2023 final against Inter Milan.

Despite his disappointment, Roncero maintained an emotional tone when discussing Rodri’s importance to Spain and insisted his admiration for the player would remain.

“I will continue wearing your number 16 shirt with two stars on Spain’s shirt, because Spain is sacred to me,” he said.

He ended by saying Rodri’s feelings and decision had to be respected, even though he disagreed with them.

“Rodri, I wish you the best. You love Barcelona more, and Barcelona attracts you more, and people’s feelings must be respected,” Roncero said.

He then returned to his criticism with a sarcastic remark about Barcelona’s European record.

“If another year and another pass without winning the Champions League, there is no problem, because they are used to it there,” he added.

Roncero concluded by highlighting Real Madrid’s record over the past 11 years.

“At Real Madrid, look, during the last 11 years they have won five or six titles. The European cups are almost falling out of our pockets,” he said.