.svg.png){kind=logo}
Former Manchester City star Rodri has disclosed that he snubbed a move to Real Madrid to join Barcelona because of the club’s stable sporting project, tactical alignment with the Spanish national team.
Upon arriving in Catalonia, Rodri praised Barcelona’s historical benchmark and unique understanding of football values as the deciding factor.
Read Also:OFFICIAL: Barcelona Complete £65.4m Signing Of Rodri From Man City
“I would like to say that I am very happy to be here. It is a special day, an important new chapter in my career. It was a hard decision,” Rodri told the club’s website.
“First because of leaving City, they gave me everything and I was tremendously happy and I will always be grateful. I thank them for facilitating my exit.
“Barcelona have always been a global benchmark for me, for their way of understanding football and their values. It is true that I had another proposal, but Barca were the first option and I told the board that.”
Read Also:Musiala Collapses On Pitch Again
On the prospect of playing under German manager Hansi Flick, Rodri said: “I’m happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It’s a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player.”
Rodri, 30, leaves City after seven seasons at the club, having made 298 appearances and won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2023.
