Mourinho says Real Madrid withdrew from Rodri pursuit after player's hesitation

José Mourinho has confirmed that Real Madrid made midfielder Rodri a substantial offer but withdrew from the pursuit after detecting uncertainty from the player, who ultimately joined Barcelona from Manchester City on Tuesday.

In an exclusive interview with El Chiringuito, Mourinho said he spoke with Rodri on a couple of occasions as Madrid considered signing the Spain captain. "The club made him a very good offer," Mourinho stated. "I think the relationship between Real Madrid and City is very good. Without negotiating with City, Real Madrid had contacts with Rodri and made him an important offer."

Rodri completed his move to Barcelona for €75 million (£65.4 million) on Tuesday. The midfielder said the transfer to Barcelona was "always my first choice."

Mourinho explained that Rodri's hesitation about the move prompted him to reconsider Madrid's interest. "The doubts that Rodri had created doubts in me," the Real Madrid manager said. "He is an extraordinary player and very correct with us. Nothing negative to say, but Real Madrid is of a dimension that cannot have players who think twice about it."

The Portuguese coach emphasized that Madrid's decision to step back was based on the player's uncertainty rather than Barcelona's actions. "I don't think Barcelona acted to take the midfielder away from Real Madrid," Mourinho said. "What I think happened, and I speak for myself, is that Rodri's doubts created doubts in me."

Mourinho stressed that Madrid requires players who commit decisively to joining the club. "You contact a player and the player asks you: when do I have to go? That is the concept," he explained. "Real Madrid cannot have players who think twice."

The manager expressed confidence that Madrid would manage without Rodri. "I didn't need him," Mourinho said, adding that the transfer market was closed for Real Madrid's purposes.