Rodri explains why he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid!

Rodri's return from injury was Manchester City's hope for next season, but it seems that the share of that hope will now go to one of the Spanish giants, Barcelona or Real Madrid. After returning from injury, Rodri played 33 games for Manchester City, and his participation in the World Cup, winning the trophy and the Player of the Tournament award, dispelled all fears of a decline in his performance after the injury.

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Rodri's reasons for choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid!

It began with Real Madrid out in front—early talks, promising signals, and a sense that a deal was there for the taking. But as so often happens in football, momentum faded. Discussions stalled over money: Manchester City's €75 million valuation didn't sit well with the Spanish giants, who were hoping for a friendlier price tag.

Then came the twist. Frenkie de Jong went down with a serious knee injury, and Barcelona wasted no time stepping into the fray. Hansi Flick, keen to bolster his midfield options, saw an opportunity. Sporting director Deco got to work, presenting Rodri's camp with a vision of the future at Camp Nou—a project designed to convince.

And convince it did. According to MARCA, the midfielder has made up his mind: Barcelona over Madrid. Not only that, but he's given the green light for the Catalans to open formal negotiations with City. The decision, the report suggests, has all but slammed the door on Madrid's summer hopes.

Now the ball is in Barcelona's court. The hard part remains—reaching common ground with City, who are expected to hold out for at least €50 million. The story isn't over yet, but the main character has chosen his next chapter.

Rodri prefers Barcelona's style

For Rodri, the appeal of Barcelona goes beyond the badge. It's about the football—the rhythmic, possession-heavy philosophy that feels like a natural extension of his own game. Pull on that shirt, and he'd also find himself surrounded by familiar faces, several of whom stood alongside him when Spain lifted the World Cup. The reunion, both tactical and personal, is hard to ignore.

Yet the path to Camp Nou isn't without its hurdles. The financial side of things remains tricky—Barcelona will need to shuffle their squad and free up room on the wage bill before they can officially welcome him through the door. It's a delicate balancing act, but one they've navigated before.

For now, the message from the player is loud and clear: his heart is set. The rest, however, depends on the club. With formal negotiations with Manchester City on the horizon, the next move belongs entirely to Barcelona.

Hazem Mlhem |

Editorar, en

Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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