Thibaut Courtois Reacts to Rodri Choosing Barcelona Over Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois has never been one to tiptoe around a subject, and he certainly didn’t start when Rodri chose Barcelona over Real Madrid.
Speaking after Real Madrid’s dramatic win over Espanyol, the 34-year-old goalkeeper was asked directly about the Spanish midfielder’s decision to reject Los Blancos and head to Camp Nou. His answer cut straight to the point.
“Every player chooses where they want to be. If he didn't want to be with us, well, that's a pity... for him,” Courtois said. “In the end, he's a great player, but he made his choice, and that's it.”
The backdrop only added spice. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner was reportedly staying at the same hotel as the Real Madrid squad in Catalonia on the eve of their clash with Espanyol, a detail that fuelled speculation of a late twist. Courtois brushed that aside with the same dismissive tone.
“He stays in our hotel? Well, the hotel is big, there will be many people there,” he added.
Mourinho lifts the lid on failed Rodri move
While Courtois framed it as a simple case of a player choosing his path, Jose Mourinho went a step further and explained why the transfer collapsed from Madrid’s side.
The new Real Madrid boss confirmed that the club had pushed hard for Rodri and even moved early, leaning on what he described as a strong relationship with Manchester City. The problem, he suggested, was not the money or the negotiations with City, but the player’s hesitation.
“I spoke to him a couple of times and Real Madrid made him a very good offer,” Mourinho said. “I think there is a very good relationship with City. Without negotiating with City, the club made contact with Rodri, they made him a major offer. Rodri had doubts, he hesitated and Rodri’s doubts created doubts for me.”
For Mourinho, that pause was decisive. At Real Madrid, commitment has to be instant. Any sign of uncertainty, and the door closes.
“I am not lacking Rodri”
The inevitable follow-up question was whether missing out on such a high-profile midfielder leaves Madrid short in the middle of the pitch. Mourinho shut that narrative down quickly.
“I am not lacking Rodri,” he stated firmly. “We are not lacking players. I’m not saying there won’t be any more signings because the market is open, but if you ask me directly if it’s closed for me… yes. It is closed. I really like the squad.”
No plea for reinforcements. No public pressure on the board. Mourinho instead pointed toward the players already in his dressing room, making it clear that his priority is to develop what he has rather than lament what he almost had.
Courtois’ sharp message, Mourinho’s hard line on commitment, Rodri’s choice of Barcelona. The battle between Spain’s giants has started long before they meet on the pitch.
