Mourinho's comment on the failed Rodri deal
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has revealed new details about the club's failure to sign former Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who opted to join Barcelona during the summer transfer window. Real Madrid had made significant efforts to secure Rodri's signature, but the player ultimately chose Barcelona, raising questions about why negotiations with the Spanish giants fell through. Speaking on the program "El Chiringuito," Mourinho said, "I spoke to him twice, and Real Madrid made him a very good offer." The Portuguese coach added, "Rodri had doubts and hesitations, and Rodri's doubts made me doubt them too." Despite criticizing the player's indecisiveness, Mourinho emphasized his respect for Rodri, noting that Real Madrid cannot afford to wait much longer for a player who is indecisive. He explained, "He is an exceptional player and has always been very respectful to us. I have nothing negative to say, but Real Madrid has a great stature that doesn't allow it to deal with players who doubt their abilities." He continued, "If Real Madrid calls, the expected response should be: 'When should I come?'" Regarding Real Madrid's need to sign a new midfielder after the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, Mourinho refused to consider Rodri a missing piece in the squad, emphasizing his confidence in the current players. He said, "I don't need Rodri. We have plenty of players. I'm not saying there won't be other signings because the transfer window is open, but if you ask me directly if my career is over, the answer is yes. It's over. I'm very impressed with this team." Mourinho concluded his remarks about Rodri with a touch of irony, saying, "He was very respectful to us. I wish him all the best. Not too much, of course, but I wish him all the best."
