According to Spanish media outlet Cadena SER, Rodri Hernandez declined Real Madrid's offer but thanked them for it.
Player agent Pablo Balquero told Spanish radio station Cadena SER that La Liga giants made a very good offer for Rodri after the World Cup. The agent said that Real Madrid and the midfielder began contacting each other just days after Spain won the World Cup.
Anton Meana explained on a radio program why Rodri rejected Real Madrid and chose Barcelona instead: "The offer was indeed very good. Both the agent and Rodri valued Real Madrid's politeness, manners, respect, and approach during the negotiations. Real Madrid seriously pursued Rodri, putting all their offers on the table, hoping he would play for Real Madrid. From the president to the general manager, everyone was working hard to get Rodri to join Real Madrid. The negotiations between the two sides had been going smoothly, and they had been communicating continuously for the past two weeks, but Rodri had decided to choose another offer."
Rodri ultimately made a personal decision, therefore he will not join Real Madrid next season. Meana also stated that Rodri closed the door on Real Madrid while thanking them, as the offer was worthy of the World Cup Golden Ball winner. The Spanish international informed Real Madrid of his decision today, hoping to stop keeping everyone waiting and not mislead anyone, while thanking Real Madrid for the treatment he received during the past two weeks of negotiations. Sources close to Rodri also confirmed that there had been verbal contact between Real Madrid and Manchester City. It's important to note that Rodri is still under contract with Manchester City and has no release clause, so in addition to reaching an agreement with the player himself, the club must also reach an agreement with the English club. The deal between Real Madrid and Rodri had previously progressed smoothly, but now it's stuck at the same crucial point: any club wanting to sign Rodri must first reach an agreement with Manchester City.
