Discreet in the media, Deco, the sporting director of Barça, made a broad point during an interview with RAC-1. He took the opportunity to return to Rodri’s transfer. And he revealed that this operation was not initially planned. “A few months ago we weren’t considering a transfer because we thought he wouldn’t leave City. He had one year left on his contract. We thought they were going to extend it, but when we heard Rodri might leave, I spoke to Hugo Viana and called him to check. He told me he had an extension offer, but if another offer came in, they wouldn’t be able to keep him. We informed the coach of this possibility, and he agreed. Then we contacted his agent. Real Madrid? We should discuss it with him. »
His arrival is good for Barça, which must notably do without injured Frenkie de Jong. “We don’t discuss medical issues. This is a private matter for the player. If I have a problem, I call the doctor, and some players consult outside doctors. When he was injured, the doctor gave him information, and Frenkie spoke with people he trusted. It’s a personal matter. Any offers? No, he was injured for three or four months. Rodri’s arrival doesn’t change the fact that he was injured. » The message got through.
