Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has delivered a blunt response to Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona, suggesting the Spaniard missed a golden opportunity by choosing the Catalans over Los Blancos.
Real Madrid Star Fires Back: Courtois Says Rodri’s Barcelona Move Is ‘A Pity for Him’
Barcelona’s acquisition of the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner from Manchester City ranks as one of the summer’s biggest transfers.
For months, Real Madrid appeared the frontrunners to bring the midfielder back to La Liga.
“¿Que ha estado en nuestro hotel? Es grande, habrá mucha gente igual” 🤔
Thibaut Courtois se toma con humor la presencia de Rodri en el mismo hotel de Barcelona que el Real Madrid#LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/571AadW2wl
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) August 22, 2026
However, Barcelona quickly entered the race, agreed personal terms with Rodri, and ultimately struck an official deal with Manchester City.
Speaking after Real Madrid’s dramatic 2–1 victory over Espanyol in their season opener, Courtois did not hold back when asked about Rodri’s decision.
“Every player chooses where they want to be,” the Belgian goalkeeper stated.
“If he didn’t want to be with us then it’s a pity for him. In the end, he’s a great player, but he made his decision and that’s it”.
Courtois also dismissed the significance of Rodri staying at the same hotel as the Real Madrid squad on the night of the Espanyol match.
“And the fact that he was at our hotel, well, it’s big, there’s many people there,” Courtois added with a touch of sarcasm.
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho later revealed that the club had made Rodri a substantial offer, but the player’s hesitation ultimately scuppered the deal.
“Rodri had doubts, he hesitated and Rodri’s doubts created doubts for me,” Mourinho explained.
Barcelona, meanwhile, moved decisively to secure their target, with manager Hansi Flick prioritising the Spaniard to anchor his midfield.
Despite missing out on Rodri, Mourinho insisted he has no regrets.
“I am not lacking Rodri,” he stated firmly.
For Courtois, however, the message was clear—Rodri’s loss is his own, not Real Madrid’s.
