Rodri talks Lamine, Raphinha, Pedri, Flick, Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, Ballon d’Or

Rodri talks Lamine, Raphinha, Pedri, Flick, Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, Ballon d’Or Barcelona midfielder Rodri has revealed that Real Madrid’s attempts to sign him made his decision to join Barcelona harder, but ultimately Barça’s sporting project convinced him. In an interview with COPE , the Spain international opened up on his move, the recent Madrid derby and several Barcelona-related topics.  His comments also offered a glimpse into his early experience under Hansi Flick. Most significantly, Rodri made clear that Real Madrid’s interest was genuine and extensive, even though it ultimately failed to change his mind. Rodri explains Barcelona decision after Real Madrid pursuit Real Madrid were interested in Rodri from the outset and made their desire to sign him known through several contacts at the club.  Asked about the extent of that pursuit, the Barcelona midfielder explained why it made his eventual choice harder. “Madrid showed an interest right from the start; they behaved impeccably, and their offers were aimed at securing the player – I want to make that clear.  “I don’t know what ‘going all out’ means exactly, but it’s clear they were interested and went all out in showing that interest, which I appreciate because I spoke to some of them.  “Did I speak to Florentino? I’m going to keep that to myself; I spoke to people there who conveyed their enthusiasm and eagerness for me to join them, which made my decision more difficult.” Rodri has once again opened up about Real Madrid’s interest. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Rodri was then asked what ultimately pushed him towards Barcelona.  Rather than pointing to one particular conversation or moment, he stressed that his decision was based on the sporting project and his belief in the current generation. “It wasn’t for a specific moment; it was a sports-related matter. “I think this generation of Barça is going to give a lot to talk about.” Rodri gives verdict on Madrid derby The midfielder was also asked to assess the latest Madrid derby and the refereeing controversy surrounding incidents involving Cristian Romero and Kang-in Lee. Having watched the match from a footballing perspective, Rodri felt Atlético deserved their victory before addressing the disputed moments. “In footballing terms, it was an evenly matched game. I think Atletico Madrid were the better side, more present on the pitch, made better decisions, dictated the game, and I think they fully deserved the win. “And then there are incidents that could have been handled differently; I don’t think anyone would deny that. Cristian’s challenge is a bit trickier because I’m not sure whether he could have pulled his foot away or not. “And perhaps in Kang-in’s case – though I don’t think he did it on purpose – a red card could have been given. “Having said that, I prefer to analyse the match from a footballing perspective.  Rodri has backed Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’or. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “I think referees can sometimes make mistakes, but I don’t believe they have a significant impact over the course of a 38-match league season in that regard.” Rodri backs Barça stars and reveals Flick experience Rodri was also asked about Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or case . He acknowledged that Barcelona are justified in believing their young star deserves the award. “I think it’s fair for the club to believe he deserves it. I have the feeling that many players deserve it.” On the battle involving Yamal and Kylian Mbappe, Rodri stressed that the award is now considerably more open than during the Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era. “I’m a humble guy; I think it’s great that the best in the world are being considered. “Now everything is more open than in the Messi and Cristiano era.” The midfielder was less understanding of Raphinha and Pedri missing the 30-man shortlist, singling out the Brazilian for particular praise. “It’s hard to understand how they’re not among the 30. ”Raphinha is by far the player who’s surprised me the most.” Finally, Rodri compared Flick’s methods with those of Pep Guardiola, making clear that the two managers are very different. “It doesn’t resemble Guardiola in the slightest. The first 4 days they gave me a physical beating that wasn’t normal,” he concluded.