Mourinho breaks his silence on Rodri’s Barcelona move: “Real Madrid cannot afford players who hesitate”
Yesterday, FC Barcelona finally confirmed the signing of World Cup winner Rodri, a transfer that many in Spain have described as a major victory over Real Madrid. However, José Mourinho has now given his side of the story and made it clear that he does not see the situation in the same way.
Rodri, 30, had been looking to return to Spain after seven years at Manchester City. For several weeks, the midfielder appeared to be heading toward Real Madrid. Born in Madrid, the Spanish international had reportedly shown interest in wearing the famous white shirt.
However, Real Madrid were not particularly aggressive when it came to completing the deal. Some reports even claimed that Florentino Pérez’s club submitted an offer worth less than €40 million. Barcelona eventually moved decisively and secured Rodri for around €60 million, excluding bonuses.
“Victories are won on the pitch”
During his presentation as a Barcelona player, Rodri was naturally asked about his decision.
“I had other options, but Barça was my first choice and I made that clear to Laporta. First, I had to understand that my time at Manchester City was over and that I needed to find a way out. It took me time to accept that because City is the most special club I have ever played for,” Rodri explained.
“I studied and analysed the different possibilities. There were some very big clubs interested. Together with my family and the people close to me, we made what we believe is the best decision. My decisions are always based on sporting reasons.”
José Mourinho later responded during an appearance on El Chiringuito. Asked whether Barcelona had scored a major victory over Real Madrid by signing Rodri, the Portuguese coach delivered a typically sharp response.
“Victories are won on the pitch. Victories are titles. That is where the real victories are,” Mourinho said.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick could now potentially field a midfield featuring Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo, but Mourinho insists he is not concerned.
“I don’t miss Rodri”
“No, I don’t miss Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality and we have players who can still improve,” Mourinho explained.
“I like to believe that I have the ability to develop players. A player who is one thing today can become something completely different tomorrow.”
Mourinho also confirmed that he personally spoke with Rodri twice.
💣 MOURINHO, en EXCLUSIVA sobre RODRI con @jpedrerol.
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) August 19, 2026
¡Ahora mismo en ENERGY con #ChiringuitoMourinho! pic.twitter.com/zTYdYmvbPn
“Yes, I spoke to him on two occasions and Real Madrid made him a very good offer. We have an excellent relationship with Manchester City. The club contacted Rodrigo and presented him with an important proposal.”
However, Mourinho admitted that Rodri’s hesitation eventually changed his own attitude toward the transfer.
“Rodrigo had doubts. He hesitated, and his hesitation made me hesitate as well. He is an extraordinary player and he behaved very correctly with us. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about him.”
The Real Madrid coach then delivered his strongest message.
“But Real Madrid is such a massive club that it cannot afford to have players who need to think twice. When Real Madrid contacts you, the answer should be: ‘When do I have to come?’ That is the principle.”
Mourinho concluded with a smile: “Rodrigo behaved very well with us and I wish him good luck. Not too much luck, obviously. But I wish him well.”
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