Rodri turned down Real Madrid to join Barcelona for a transfer fee, citing sporting ambition and the persuasive, family-like approach of coach Hansi Flick and Deco. Despite a strong start to the 2026/27 season, the midfielder insists the Catalan club are not yet Champions League favorites.
Rodri Transfer to Barcelona From Manchester City
The high-profile summer transfer window delivered a surprise when Rodri opted to sign with Barcelona rather than move to Real Madrid. Blaugrana secured the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner by paying a transfer fee from Manchester City. The move left Los Blancos empty-handed after failing to get their desired midfielder.
Rodri became an target of Madrid on this summer, but the 30-year-old player ultimately preferred to move to Barcelona. Blaugrana bought him from Manchester City, making Los Blancos bite their fingers because they failed to get their dream midfielder.
Sporting Ambition and the Influence of Hansi Flick and Deco
Rodri Interview with Mundo Deportivo
Reflecting on a frantic off-season in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rodri talked about his decision to choose Barcelona based on sporting aspects. Rodri stated that the first thing he had to say was that he had hoped it would be a quiet holiday for two or three weeks, but reality turned out to be completely different, adding that they had to analyze many things and make this important decision between two of the best clubs in the world.
Rejecting Madrid was far from simple, particularly given how well they treated him, but sporting priorities ultimately dictated his destination. The 30-year-old player expressed that, in the end, he made his decision based on sporting aspects, so he prioritized where he could achieve victory and develop further as a player, noting that it was by no means an easy decision, that turning down Madrid was not easy especially as they treated him very well, and that ultimately, thanks to the roles played by Deco and Hansi, he was convinced.
The personal approach used by the Catalan giant played a pivotal role, with the club demonstrating that they truly needed Rodri from a playing perspective. He mentioned that they never pressured him at all, that everyone expressed their desire to rely on him, to work together, and to see what contribution he could make, and that he really liked the way they tried to ensure he did not feel anxious.
They simply conveyed the expectations they had because he joined their project, understanding they need someone like him. He explained that, above all, he really liked the natural way they communicated that to him, describing the atmosphere as very warm and like a family club, which appealed to him greatly.
A Realistic Outlook on the Champions League and European Ambitions
Rodri on Champions League Ambitions and Experience
Having immediately become a mainstay at Barcelona by playing 5 games this season, Rodri has adopted a grounded stance regarding Barcelona’s continental aspirations. While the club opened the 2026/27 campaign in very convincing fashion, Rodri chose not to get carried away by expectations in his interview with Mundo Deportivo, acknowledging the Champions League is a realistic target while maintaining they are not yet favorites.
Rodri stated that this is a small step they still need to complete to show Europe what kind of team they are, while confidently adding that he does not think they are the favorites.
According to the former Manchester City star, Barcelona must understand what it takes to be a champion because individual quality alone is not enough, as the Champions League is often determined by small details and important moments in matches. Rodri also felt one of the reasons he was brought in was to help Barcelona face those situations, drawing on his experience winning trophies with City, including the 2022/23 Champions League across his seven seasons in England.
The 30-year-old player explained that the Champions League is not just a tournament to determine who is the best, but is also about moments and knowing how to understand those moments.
Meanwhile, Barcelona last won the Champions League in the 2014/15 season, 11 years ago, after which their journey in the competition has not always run smoothly. Amidst a campaign where Barcelona recently secured a 4-2 victory over Levante on Sunday, September 13, 2026 to distance themselves from Real Madrid in the standings—featuring Raphinha scoring 8 goals in 5 games and Karim Adeyemi ensuring the win—Hansi Flick is enthusiastic about pairing Rodri and Pedri in central midfield when Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao on early Friday morning.
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