Rodri explains Real Madrid snub as he gives 'green light' to summer move worth £25m per year
Rodri has officially informed Real Madrid of his preference to join Barcelona, according to reports in Spain, as one of the biggest deals of the summer looks set to be thrashed out.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Manchester City this summer, had been presented with a 'substantial financial offer' from Los Blancos in recent days.
In fact, he engaged in conversations with Real Madrid's directors but following extensive talks, he has 'definitively opted' for a move to Barcelona.
That's according to a report from Spanish publication AS, which claims Rodri explained to those behind at Madrid why he was leaning towards a move to the reigning La Liga champions.
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It is said he pointed to the style of play, the legacy of Pep Guardiola and the so-called 'greater affinity' towards the players of the Catalan side.
The report adds that Rodri's explanations were 'fully understood' and they wished him 'good luck on his chosen path'.
On Thursday afternoon, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that Rodri has already spoken to Barcelona's sporting director Deco, as well as head coach Hansi Flick, about the proposed transfer.
He has also given the 'green light' to Barcelona so they can proceed in talks. "Official contract proposal already in Rodri’s agent hands and Barca also made contact with Manchester City," added Romano.
In addition to those reports, RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins claims Barcelona have held a long-standing interest in the player.
They believe Rodri is an ideal fit for Flick’s system, although the club must now find the financial resources to make a deal happen. Hawkins says an offer in the region of €60 to €70 million (£51m/£59m) could be enough to satisfy City.
Rodri has previously expressed his desire to play in Spain's top tier again, seven years after leaving Atletico Madrid for the Premier League.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero ahead of the World Cup, he said: “I would like to return to LaLiga, yes, of course. For me, LaLiga is where I started. I still follow it, not as much as before, but I still follow it. But right now, I am very happy here.
“I have one year left on my contract (at City), there will come a point when we'll have to sit down, talk, and discuss things.”
READ MORE: Lamine Yamal names the player he would ‘love’ Barcelona to sign this summer
Rodri is set to leave Manchester City after seven trophy-laden years. He's made a total of 298 appearances in all competitions for the club.
Topics: Man City, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Rodri, Spain
Jack Kenmare