José Mourinho has lifted the lid on why Ballon d’Or winner Rodri chose Barcelona over Real Madrid, revealing that the Spanish midfielder’s doubts over the move ultimately convinced the Portuguese coach to walk away from the deal.
Mourinho: Rodri’s Hesitation Cost Him Real Madrid Move
Speaking to Spanish late-night show El Chiringuito in his first interview since being presented as Madrid’s new manager on Tuesday, Mourinho confirmed that he personally spoke with Rodri on multiple occasions.
Real Madrid made the World Cup winner a “very good offer,” according to the coach, but the player’s uncertainty proved decisive.
“I spoke with him a couple of times,” Mourinho said.
“Rodri had doubts, he doubted, and I think what happened is that the doubts Rodri had, gave me doubts”.
The 63-year-old explained his philosophy bluntly: “Real Madrid are so big that we can’t have players who think twice”.
Barcelona officially confirmed Rodri’s signing on Tuesday, with the midfielder putting pen to paper on a four-year contract until June 2030.
The Catalan club reached a full agreement with Manchester City for a guaranteed fee of €60 million, with performance-related add-ons potentially taking the total to €76.5 million.
Despite missing out on the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, Mourinho insisted he harbours no regrets.
“He behaved properly with us, and I wish him well,” he said, adding with a wry smile: “not too well, obviously”.
The Portuguese tactician, who returned to the Bernabéu after the club sacked two coaches Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa last season amid dressing room tensions, expressed satisfaction with his current squad.
Madrid have already signed six players this summer: Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espí.
“I am not lacking Rodri,” Mourinho declared.
“If you ask me if the squad is closed, yes. I like the squad”.
Madrid kick off their 2026/27 LaLiga campaign away at Espanyol on Saturday as they look to end Barcelona’s two-year reign as Spanish champions.
