Real Madrid coach, José Mourinho, has explained why the Spanish giants failed to secure the signing of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, despite making a strong effort to bring the Spain international to the club.
Rodri was reportedly among Madrid’s top targets during the summer transfer window, but the club’s pursuit eventually ended without an agreement, paving the way for his move to Barcelona.
According to Mourinho, Rodri’s uncertainty over the proposed transfer played a key role in Madrid’s decision to abandon the deal.
The Portuguese manager revealed that he personally held discussions with Rodri during the negotiations and said Madrid had made an attractive offer to the midfielder.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, Mourinho said, “I spoke to him a couple of times and Real Madrid made him a very good offer.”
Mourinho added that Madrid enjoyed a good relationship with Manchester City and had initially approached Rodri before moving forward with discussions involving the Premier League club.
However, the midfielder was reportedly hesitant about joining Madrid, with his lack of certainty eventually influencing the club’s position.
“Rodri had doubts, he hesitated and Rodri’s doubts created doubts for me,” Mourinho explained.
Despite the failed transfer, Mourinho was full of praise for the midfielder, describing him as an exceptional player and stressing that there was no ill feeling between the two parties.
“He is an extraordinary player and was very respectful with us, nothing negative to say,” Mourinho said.
