Rodrigo Hernández 'Rodri' is now officially a Barcelona player and explained that his decision to leave Manchester City was marked mainly by sporting reasons. The Spanish midfielder, who signed with the Blaugrana team until June 30, 2030, assured during his presentation that the Catalan club was his first choice from the beginning.
"Barcelona is a great club, it has been a benchmark for its playing philosophy and the values it represents. I had another option, but Barcelona was my first option and that's how I made Joan Laporta and the board of directors understand it," he said.
The 30-year-old player arrived in Barcelona on Monday and completed the medical examination at the Joan Gamper Sports City the following day. He then signed his new contract and participated in a meal with club leaders and executives before appearing before the media.
His arrival comes after an operation that, according to various sources, was closed for around 60 million fixed euros plus another 11 million in variables, as reported by EFE.
Rodri bets on the project and Flick's idea
Although he acknowledged that he received proposals from “very important” clubs, Rodri avoided directly confirming Real Madrid's interest. The world champion insisted that the decision made with his family was exclusively related to his career on the field.
"Together with my family and my people we made the decision that we believe is the best. I keep the reasons for myself, but I have always said that my reasons are always sporting and that's how things go," he explained.
The new Barça footballer also highlighted the conversation he had with Hansi Flick before closing his arrival. According to Rodri, the German coach conveyed “excitement” to him and presented a football proposal that fits what he is looking for at this stage of his career.
"He is a coach that motivates me a lot to be able to train with him. He has a brave idea that attracts me a lot at this moment in my career. I have room for improvement and he can complete me to the maximum. He is a transparent coach, who tells you what he wants," he said.
The Spaniard considers that his experience can be useful in a young dressing room. Among the players he mentioned is Marc Bernal, 19, who, according to Rodri, “will be able to grow” at his side.
The midfielder also focused on the collective evolution of Barcelona. In his opinion, Flick's team has shown significant growth in recent seasons in both LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League.
"One of the reasons for coming here is not only the present but the projection of the project. Barça's midfield is spectacular, but we have a lot of talent in all lines. I come with the desire to continue improving," he said.
“We are creating a team to win in Europe, in Spain… I am looking forward to all the objectives being met at the end of the season,” he added.
Reunion with seven world champions
Rodri will also have the opportunity to share a dressing room with seven teammates from the Spanish team with whom he recently won the World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada: Joan García, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi, Pedri, Olmo, Eric Garcia and Lamine Yamal.
He had words of appreciation precisely about Yamal. The attacker was described by Rodri as “a player who understands football collectively” and with an “incredible projection” to become the best in the world.
His first opportunity to appear alongside the first team will come with his presence at the presentation of the Barça team during the Joan Gamper Trophy, while he hopes to progressively regain the rhythm necessary to compete.
