Rodri reveals real reason he left Manchester City and chose Barcelona over Real Madrid

Rodri has revealed why he opted for a move to Barcelona over their El Clásico rivals, Real Madrid, during his official club unveiling and first media address as a Barcelona player. 

The World Cup-winning midfielder joined Blaugrana after seven years at Manchester City, where he amassed a trophy haul that included four Premier League titles and a Champions League under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola. 

Barcelona announce Rodri signing

After signing for the Catalan side for £65 million, the midfielder was unveiled at the Nou Camp on Tuesday. 

In his first public address since joining La Liga champions, Rodri discussed his profound admiration for his former employers, before providing additional detail on the move itself. 

The 30-year-old began by thanking Manchester City.

“I’m very happy to be here with all of you on a very special day, for me, my people, and my family,” Rodri said. 

“It’s a new and very important chapter in my career.And, yeah, in the end it was a tough decision. Firstly, because I had to leave Manchester City, a club that has given me absolutely everything, and where I have been happy for all these years.

“And I will be eternally grateful for everything they’ve given me, and everything we’ve been able to achieve.”

Rodri reveals reason he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid

Having been heavily linked with Real Madrid, Rodri briefed the media on why he decided Barcelona was the move he wanted. 

“And in terms of Barcelona, it is a great club. For me it has always been a club with worldwide reference, for their philosophy and how they understand football.

“Obviously, I had other options, as you said, but for me Barcelona was my first option, and I expressed that feeling to the board of directors, and yeah, I’m happy to be here.”

Rodri will be eligible to make his competitive debut in the famous red and blue away at Elche on Sunday, as Hansi Flick’s side look to defend their title for the third consecutive season.