Barcelona midfielder Rodri has revealed that he personally called Jose Mourinho after turning down a move to Real Madrid.
The Spanish midfielder said Mourinho contacted him directly during the transfer process to explain how he could contribute to the Madrid project.
The News Chronicle reports that Rodri admitted he appreciated the interest and the way Mourinho handled the approach, but ultimately chose Barcelona.
“The treatment was very good. When I made the decision, I also called him to thank him for the interest and the treatment,” Rodri told Mundo Deportivo.
READ ALSO: 15 Things That Make Diphtheria More Dangerous Than You Think
The 30-year-old also praised Mourinho’s coaching record, saying he is a fantastic manager with successful spells in his career.
Rodri said that he did not pay any attention to the rumors about his transfer while playing for Spain at the World Cup, saying that his focus was on the national team. His decision to join Barcelona has now added another layer to the rivalry between the Catalan giants and Real Madrid, with Rodri expected to play a key role.
