Barcelona midfielder Rodri has opened up for the first time on why he snubbed a move to Real Madrid this summer.
Rodri joined Barcelona from Manchester City in a £65.4 million deal after the 2026 World Cup.
Before making the move, the 30-year-old was heavily linked with Madrid, as Jose Mourinho looked to rebuild the team’s midfield.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rodri hinted that signing for Madrid would have had a financial advantage, but he was keen to improve his game.
He said: “Saying no to Real Madrid was not easy, especially since they treated me so well.
“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.