Barcelona midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante (Rodri) has revealed that Hansi Flick’s relentless ambition played a major role in his decision to join the Catalan club despite strong interest from Real Madrid and a personal approach from José Mourinho.
The Spain international completed his move to Barcelona this summer after leaving Manchester City, ending a seven-year spell in England and returning to LaLiga as one of the most decorated midfielders in world football.
Rodri had no shortage of options when he decided to leave City, with Real Madrid making a serious attempt to secure his signature.
The midfielder admitted that rejecting the Spanish giants was not an easy decision. “Saying no to Real Madrid was not easy, especially since they treated me so well,” Rodri revealed.
Real Madrid’s interest was strengthened by Mourinho, who personally contacted the midfielder to explain his desire to bring him to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Rodri confirmed that the Portuguese coach made his intentions clear during their conversation. “Mourinho called me and clearly expressed his desire for me to join the club. He treated me very well,” Rodri said.
Despite the appeal of the 15-time European champions, Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona after becoming convinced by the sporting project being developed under Flick, who has won all but one domestic titles since his arrival in Spain two years ago.
His decision, he explained, was driven primarily by where he believed he could continue to develop and compete for major honours. “I made my decision based on sporting aspects, on what excited me more and where I felt I could win and grow the most as a player,” he said.
Flick’s Ambition Convinced Rodri
Rodri identified Flick’s mentality as one of the strongest reasons behind his decision to choose Barcelona. “Hansi Flick’s ambition was key for my decision to join Barça,” he said.
The midfielder was particularly attracted to the German coach’s refusal to become satisfied with previous achievements, a mentality that Rodri believes can help Barcelona challenge for the biggest trophies. “His refusal to settle for what has already been achieved. I like it,” Rodri added.
The appeal of Flick’s project was also rooted in footballing considerations. Barcelona’s possession-based approach and emphasis on controlling matches offered Rodri a setting that suited his strengths after years of operating in a similar environment with Manchester City and Spain.
Mundo Deportivo previously reported that the midfielder was particularly attracted to Flick’s sporting project before giving Barcelona the green light to pursue his transfer.
Barcelona eventually won the race for the 30-year-old, overcoming competition from Real Madrid for a player who had been regarded as one of the Spanish giants’ priority midfield targets.
Rodri Showed Respect To Mourinho
Although Rodri rejected Real Madrid, he made sure the decision did not damage the relationship he had established with Mourinho. “When I made my decision, I called him to thank him for his interest and for how he treated me,” Rodri said.
The midfielder’s response highlights how close the race for his signature became, while also underlining that his choice was based on football rather than any negative feeling towards Real Madrid.
Rodri also acknowledged Mourinho’s quality as a coach and expects Madrid to remain one of Barcelona’s biggest rivals.
The move now places Rodri on the opposite side of one of Spanish football’s biggest rivalries. Having won the 2024 Ballon d’Or and the 2026 World Cup, he arrives at Barcelona with considerable experience and expectations.
The decision, however for Rodri, was ultimately about finding the project that offered the greatest opportunity to keep winning and growing and in Flick’s ambitious Barcelona, he believes he has found it.
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