Jose Mourinho has hit back at Barcelona’s signing of Rodri by claiming victories take place on the pitch - and not in the transfer market. The Spanish midfielder was linked with a move to Real Madrid earlier this summer, only for him to perform a dramatic u-turn and join Barcelona instead.
Rodri completed a £65million move to the Camp Nou earlier this week. Real boss Mourinho was recently asked whether Barcelona’s signing represented a double victory, but the Portuguese coach was not particularly convinced.
Mourinho’s stance on Rodri’s decision
He said: “Victories happen on the field; they’re the titles. That’s where the victories are.”
“I spoke with [Rodri] a couple of times,” Mourinho added when asked why Rodri decided to go elsewhere. “Real Madrid made him a very good offer.
“I think the relationship between Real Madrid and City is very good. The club made him an important offer. Rodri had doubts, he doubted, and I think what happened is that the doubts Rodri had, gave me doubts.
“He's an extraordinary player. But I think Real Madrid are so big that we can't have players who think twice. That's the concept. But he behaved properly with us, and I wish him well.”
Rodri and Flick on the move
Rodri has also spoken out after joining Barcelona and claimed that they were also his first option despite interest from the Bernabeu. He said: “I would like to say that I am very happy to be here. It is a special day, an important new chapter in my career.
“It was a hard decision. First because of leaving City, they gave me everything and I was tremendously happy and I will always be grateful. I thank them for facilitating my exit.
“Barcelona have always been a global benchmark for me, for their way of understanding football and their values. It is true that I had another proposal, but Barca were the first option and I told the board that.”
On Rodri, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick added: “Of course it was a big opportunity for us to get him. Everyone was 100% convinced about this. He's a fantastic player, he gives every team special things.
“For me, it's great to have him here. He's maybe the best No. 6, he can control the game, but also helps a lot in the defence, he wins duels in the air, which for us is very important. He increases the level of every player.”
Rodri, 30, joined Man City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and went on to make 298 appearances. During his time at the Etihad, City won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups. Rodri was also handed the Ballon d’Or during his spell with the club.
