Jose Mourinho reveals why Rodri joined Barcelona instead of Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that Rodri expressed “doubts” over joining the club that ultimately led the Spain midfielder to sign for Barcelona instead.

The Catalan club completed a deal to sign the World Cup-winning captain from Manchester City on Tuesday, with Rodri agreeing a deal through to 2030.

The 30-year-old had expressed a desire to return to Spain after seven years in the Premier League, and Mourinho has confirmed that he held talks over the possibility of a move to Madrid.

But Rodri’s expression of reservations led to the Portuguese manager, back for a second stint at the club, cooling his own interest, clearing the way for the Barcelona move.

“I spoke with [Rodri] a couple of times,” Mourinho revealed in an interview on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito. “Real Madrid made him a very good offer.

“I think the relationship between Real Madrid and City is very good. The club made him an important offer. Rodri had doubts, he doubted, and I think what happened is that the doubts Rodri had, gave me doubts.

“He’s an extraordinary player. But I think Real Madrid are so big that we can’t have players who think twice. That’s the concept. But he behaved properly with us, and I wish him well.”

The midfielder is among the leading contenders to win the Ballon d’Or for a second time after playing a key part in Spain’s World Cup triumph.

Real Madrid open their La Liga season with a trip to Espanyol on Saturday, while Barcelona begin the campaign at Elche.