Rodri responds to Mourinho jibe after failed Real Madrid switch

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Rodri has refused to bite back over comments made by Jose Mourinho following his decision to join Barcelona over Real Madrid.

The World Cup winner was pursued by the two heavyweights of Spanish football before completing a move to Barcelona in August.

Mourinho has since claimed Rodri had “doubts” over joining Real and that the club cannot sign players who are not 100 per cent certain about joining.

However, Rodri has stopped short of engaging in a war of words with Mourinho, describing him as a “fantastic coach”.

The 30-year-old has also confirmed reports saying he personally called Mourinho to explain his decision to choose Barcelona over Real.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rodri opened up on his talks with Mourinho, saying: “Well, I don't think it's appropriate to reveal a private conversation, but he (Mourinho) clearly expressed his desire for me to join [Real] and what I could contribute to the team. The interaction was very positive.

“When I made my decision [to join Barcelona], I also called him to thank him for his interest and the way he treated me. I think he's a fantastic coach; he's already proven that wherever he's gone during his successful spells, and Real Madrid is going to be a tough rival [for Barcelona] in this league.”

Rodri has made a strong start to life with Barcelona, helping the Spanish champions win five games in a row across La Liga and the Champions League.

After missing Barcelona’s win over Elche in their La Liga opener, Rodri has shone in subsequent victories over Athletic Club, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Feyenoord and Levante.

Mourinho insisted Real would not miss Rodri

Real have also flew out of the blocks in their first season under Mourinho since 2013, winning five of their opening six games in 2026-27.

The Portuguese, who left Benfica to return to Real for a second spell this summer, said Los Blancos would “not miss” signing Rodri last month.

In an interview with El Chiringuito, via Marca, he said: “We have solutions, we have quality in our squad. I like to think I have the ability to improve players.

“I spoke with him (Rodri) a couple of times, and Real Madrid made him a very good offer. I think there's a very good relationship with [Manchester] City.

“Without negotiating with City, the club had been in contact with Rodri and made him a significant offer.

“Rodri had doubts, he hesitated... and Rodri's doubts created doubts for me. Real Madrid is of a stature that can't have players who think twice about it.”