Mourinho Reveals Real Madrid's Pursuit of Rodri

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that the club made a "very good offer" to Rodri during the summer transfer window, only for the Manchester City star to ultimately choose Barcelona instead.

At the start of the window, it appeared Rodri was destined for the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos were keen on bringing the Spanish midfielder back to La Liga and made their move early. However, Barcelona intervened and managed to secure the signature of the World Cup winner, swooping in to snatch him from under their rivals' noses.

Mourinho opened up about his club's pursuit of the Spain international in an interview with El Chiringuito, revealing that he held multiple conversations with the player and that Real Madrid had put together a significant proposal.

"Yes, I spoke with him a couple of times, and Real Madrid made him a very good offer. I think there's a very good relationship with City. Without negotiating with City, the club contacted Rodrigo and made him a significant offer," Mourinho said.

'Rodrigo Had Doubts'

Despite the allure of joining Real Madrid, Rodri hesitated — and that hesitation ultimately proved decisive. Mourinho explained that the midfielder's uncertainty gave him pause, as he believes Real Madrid is a club that demands complete commitment from its players.

"Rodrigo had doubts, he hesitated… and Rodrigo's doubts created doubts for me. He's an extraordinary player and was very professional with us, nothing negative to say. But Real Madrid is a club of a stature that can't have players who think twice about it."

The Portuguese coach elaborated on the mentality he expects from potential signings at the Bernabeu.

"You make contact, and the player asks you, 'When do I have to go?' That's kind of the concept. Rodrigo was very professional with us; I wish him well. Not too well, obviously. But I wish him well."

Barcelona Was 'First Choice'

While Rodri's doubts may have derailed a move to Real Madrid, they paved the way for Barcelona to step in. The midfielder has since been unveiled at Camp Nou, where he declared that the Catalan giants were always his preferred destination.

Rodri also revealed that he was drawn to Barcelona by the prospect of working under head coach Hansi Flick, whose attacking style of football appealed to the former Atletico Madrid and Villarreal man.

The transfer represents a significant coup for Barcelona, who managed to beat their fiercest rivals to one of world football's premier midfielders. For Real Madrid and Mourinho, it is a case of what might have been — and a reminder that in the transfer market, hesitation can be costly.