Rodri, the World Cup‑winning, Ballon d’Or‑honoured midfielder, confirmed that a decisive phone call with Real Madrid boss José Mourinho played a pivotal role in his summer transfer saga. The Spanish international, who left Manchester City for FC Barcelona, recounted that Mourinho reached out twice, presenting a “very good offer” from Los Blancos. While the Spanish giant’s proposal was financially attractive, Rodri admitted that lingering uncertainties about his future at the Bernabéu tipped the scales.

During the conversation, Mourinho praised Rodri’s “level that’s out of this world” and framed the midfielder as the “icing on the cake” for a Real Madrid midfield already bolstered by Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde. Yet the Portuguese coach also hinted at a deeper concern: “Rodri had doubts, he doubted, and I think what happened is that the doubts Rodri had, gave me doubts.” The admission underscored a mutual hesitation – a rare glimpse into the psychological calculus that precedes high‑profile moves.

Rodri’s own narrative placed Barcelona at the top of his list. He