The Barcelona, shortly after 6:30 p.m. and following an intense day, announced the arrival of Rodri until 2030. Minutes later, the international was presented to the media. The midfielder did not hide that he had other offers on the table, especially one from Real Madrid, but his idea was always to end up at the Spotify Camp Nou.
“The Barcelona has always been for me a benchmark on a global level, because of its way of understanding football and because of its values. It’s true that I had some other offers, but Barça was the first option and that’s what I told the board. My decisions have always been linked to the sporting challenge,” explained Rodri in the first answer of the press conference. He also recalled that the culés have won two straight League titles and assured that they are one step away from the Champions League. “I have looked not only at the present, but also at the projection.” Even so, he did not want to commit himself on whether the blaugranas can boast of having the best midfield in the world.
Barcelona has always been for me a benchmark at a global level, because of its way of understanding football and because of its values
The international also made it clear that he is ready to start training sessions under Hansi Flick right away. “I’m ready to play. There was a lot of talk about the operation, but it was outpatient and I came out as if nothing had happened. I hope to train with the team tomorrow and get up to speed as soon as possible to help,” he admitted.
Rodri ran into the Barcelona players in the morning, while he was undergoing his medical examination at the Sports City. The Madrid native admitted that he had received a warm welcome and recalled that he had spent almost two months with many of them at the World Cup. “It is a young dressing room, full of enthusiasm and eager to achieve important things,” he said. The midfielder also had praise for Hansi Flick. “I spoke with him and he conveyed his excitement to me. I am very motivated to work with him because I am attracted to the idea of bold football. He is a very transparent coach. I have come to contribute,” he acknowledged.
I’m ready to play; there was a lot of talk about the operation, but it was outpatient and I came out as if nothing had happened
Busquets and Bernal
The international has already acknowledged his admiration for Busquets more than once, who will be part of the reserve team’s coaching staff this season while he completes his coaching course. Now, Rodri hopes to be a role model for Marc Bernal, just as the man from Badía once was for him.
Bernal will be able to grow by my side and that is important
“I understand the comparison with Busquets because of the position and style. It is a privilege. We have different characteristics and others in common. I have always admired him and tried to absorb things. Marc Bernal has spectacular progression; he has recovered incredibly well from the injury. I hope to help him as much as I can and teach him whatever I see fit. He will be able to grow alongside me and that is important,” he reflected. On the other hand, he had words of praise for Lamine Yamal.
I am very motivated to work with him because I am attracted to the idea of brave play
With the signing of Rodri, Barcelona is now focusing on strengthening the attack, and the main focus throughout the summer has been Julián Álvarez. However, the midfielder preferred not to go into this topic and merely said that he is one of the best strikers.
Mass gathering
Rodri has experienced a hectic 24 hours since landing yesterday in the City of Barcelona. The midfielder saw the excitement he has sparked among the Barça fans. The player stopped to greet the supporters waiting for him outside the Spotify Camp Nou after leaving the signing of his contract, as well as those waiting for him at the restaurant where he had lunch with the Barça board, in addition to Deco and Bojan.
Finally, the player did not forget about City during his unveiling. Rodri had words of gratitude for what has been his club over the last seven years. “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 has been a tough decision. First, because of leaving City: it has given me everything, I have been tremendously happy and I will always be grateful,” he acknowledged.
