Rodri Explains Barcelona Choice, Backs Yamal
Rodri Explains Barcelona Choice, Backs Yamal
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Key Points
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Rodri’s transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona reportedly cost around €60 million, with the midfielder signing a four-year contract worth approximately €30 million gross per season.
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Rodri said his departure from Manchester City developed gradually rather than resulting from a sudden decision: “It’s been a process,” he told Mundo Deportivo, explaining that he first realized his time at the club had ended before considering a new challenge.
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José Mourinho personally contacted Rodri during Real Madrid’s pursuit to outline his plans for the midfielder. Rodri later called Mourinho to thank him for the interest and said Real Madrid had treated him exceptionally well.
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Rodri explicitly rejected the idea that Real Madrid’s boycott of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony influenced his choice, and he praised Mourinho as a “tremendous coach.”
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Barcelona’s 2026 Ballon d’Or representation extends beyond Rodri and Yamal: Pau Cubarsí was also shortlisted, while Raphinha and Pedri were omitted from the 30-man nominees list. The ceremony is scheduled for London’s Palladium Theatre as part of the award’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
Rodri has explained his summer move to Barcelona over Real Madrid, citing the club's sporting project and coaching staff rather than money as the decisive factor. Sportskeeda reports the Spanish midfielder, who joined from Manchester City on a four-year deal worth roughly €30 million per season, said Barcelona offered the better environment for winning and development under Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.
Barcelona will back 19-year-old Lamine Yamal for the 2026 Ballon d'Or instead of Rodri, who was excluded from the captaincy group despite captaining Spain to World Cup glory. SportBible notes Rodri revealed Barcelona's decision while praising Yamal's credentials: 24 goals, 18 assists, and major trophy wins in his first season.
Rodri Turned Down Real Madrid's Mourinho
José Mourinho personally called Rodri during Real Madrid's recruitment drive to outline his plans. SportBible reports Rodri later thanked the legendary coach for the interest and confirmed Real Madrid treated him exceptionally well. However, Rodri explicitly rejected the notion that Madrid's Ballon d'Or boycott influenced his choice, calling Mourinho "a tremendous coach."
Manchester City Exit Was a Gradual Process
Rodri told Mundo Deportivo that leaving Manchester City developed over time rather than suddenly. "It's been a process," he explained, noting he first sensed his time at the club had ended before considering what came next. UK.HeadTopics reports this gradual shift led him to pursue a fresh challenge that aligned with his ambitions for growth and winning.
Barcelona Backs Yamal for Future Ballon Glory
Barcelona will support Lamine Yamal's candidacy for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, backing the teenager's emergence as a world-class talent. SportBible reports the 19-year-old recorded 24 goals and 18 assists while winning La Liga, the Supercopa de España, and the World Cup. Yamal himself has publicly backed his own chances for the prestigious individual award.
Flick and Deco's Project Sealed the Deal
Rodri emphasized that sporting fit outweighed other factors in his decision-making. The Daily Jagran notes he highlighted Barcelona's sporting project as the primary draw, along with the direct involvement of Flick and Deco in his recruitment. Rodri said he chose playing style and winning prospects over money, viewing his role as part of a broader team-building vision aligned with Yamal's younger generation.
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