Thibaut Courtois has sent a clear message to Rodri after the Spanish international completed his move to FC Barcelona. The 34-year-old goalkeeper, well known for speaking his mind, did not hold back when asked about the midfielder’s decision to turn down Real Madrid.
Speaking after Real Madrid’s dramatic comeback victory over Espanyol, Courtois addressed the controversy surrounding the former Manchester City star’s choice of destination.
“Every player chooses where he wants to be. If he didn’t want to be with us, well, that’s a shame… for him,” Courtois said. “In the end, he’s a great player, but he made his choice, and that’s it.”
His comments came amid reports that the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was staying at the same hotel as the Real Madrid squad in Catalonia shortly before their clash against Espanyol.
“He’s staying at our hotel? Well, it’s a big hotel. There are going to be plenty of people there,” Courtois added, brushing aside the coincidence.
Mourinho Explains Why Real Madrid Walked Away
While Courtois focused on the player’s final decision, new Real Madrid coach José Mourinho offered more details about why the proposed transfer ultimately collapsed.
The Portuguese manager confirmed that Madrid were genuinely interested in signing Rodri, but suggested the midfielder’s hesitation played a major role in changing his own position.
Mourinho insisted that a club of Real Madrid’s stature cannot afford to wait indefinitely for players who are not completely convinced by the project from the beginning.
“I spoke with him twice and Real Madrid made him a very good offer,” Mourinho explained. “I think there is a very good relationship with City. Without negotiating with City, the club contacted Rodri and made him a major offer. Rodri had doubts, he hesitated, and Rodri’s doubts created doubts for me.”
For Mourinho, that uncertainty appears to have been enough for Madrid to reconsider the operation.
🗣️ Thibaut Courtois: "Si Rodri no ha querido estar con nosotros, es una LÁSTIMA para él.
— (fan) REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) August 22, 2026
MI PORTERO 🤣👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/OMpmcKrNsx
Barcelona Moved With Conviction
Barcelona, meanwhile, acted decisively to secure the Spanish midfielder.
Hansi Flick reportedly identified Rodri as one of his main transfer priorities, seeing him as the ideal cornerstone of a rebuilt midfield. Concerns surrounding Frenkie de Jong’s fitness also increased the Catalan club’s determination to strengthen that area of the pitch.
Barcelona eventually put together a significant financial package to move ahead of their rivals and complete the signing of one of Europe’s most highly regarded defensive midfielders.
No Regrets at Real Madrid
Despite missing out on Rodri, Mourinho was quick to dismiss suggestions that Real Madrid are now short of options in midfield.
Rather than focusing on the player who chose Barcelona, the Portuguese coach wants to develop and trust the squad already at his disposal.
“I don’t miss Rodri,” Mourinho said firmly. “We are not lacking players. I’m not saying there won’t be any more signings because the market is still open, but if you ask me directly whether the market is closed for me… yes. It is closed. I really like this squad.”
The message from Madrid is therefore clear: Rodri made his decision, Real Madrid accepted it, and Mourinho has no intention of looking back.
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