Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona rather than Real Madrid has prompted an angry reaction in Madrid, with journalist Thomas Roncero claiming the Spain midfielder has turned his back on “paradise” by rejecting the Spanish capital’s club.
Roncero, a well-known and outspoken Real Madrid supporter, criticised the move in an emotional appearance published by Spanish newspaper AS. He said he regretted that one of Spain’s leading players had chosen Barcelona’s project over a proposed move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Was there the best player in the national team, the best player at the World Cup, our Rodri? I say it, our Rodri. I will always love him,” Roncero said.
The journalist insisted that, according to the information available to him, Real Madrid had reached a financial agreement with Rodri and had done everything necessary to complete the transfer.
“Real Madrid did everything perfectly, made an offer that could not be refused, with a huge contract. Everything was perfect,” he said in a video released by AS.
Roncero believes the direction of the deal changed after Barcelona’s leadership and several influential figures around Rodri became involved. He referred to the roles played by Deco, Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick, as well as the influence of Pep Guardiola and Rodri’s former coach at Manchester City.
“Deco calls, then Laporta, Flick and Guardiola. He was also at Atletico… How are you going to go to Real Madrid, Rodri?” Roncero said.
Although he accepted that Rodri’s decision may have been driven by personal feelings, the Madrid-based journalist said the midfielder had missed what he regarded as an exceptional opportunity.
“He gave up paradise, man. Playing for Real Madrid is paradise,” he added.
Roncero then compared the two clubs’ current projects, arguing that Real Madrid held a clear advantage, particularly in European competition.
“At Barcelona there is no pressure. It has been 11 years without even playing in a Champions League final,” he said.
By contrast, he mocked Real Madrid’s record in Europe, pointing to the club’s success in recent seasons.
“At Real Madrid, the European cups are almost falling out of our pockets,” Roncero said.
He also took aim at the conditions Rodri would face at Barcelona, contrasting the club’s temporary home at Montjuic with the Santiago Bernabeu.
“You will be playing at Montjuic, in a completely open stadium, with deadly cold in winter, while the Santiago Bernabeu will be there, air-conditioned, extremely modern and beautiful,” he said.
Roncero acknowledged that Barcelona could give Rodri the chance to compete for domestic honours, but questioned whether the move would help him achieve another major European title.
“There you will not win your second Champions League,” he said.
Rodri won his first Champions League with Manchester City in 2023, scoring the only goal in the final against Inter Milan.
Despite his disappointment with the midfielder’s club choice, Roncero maintained an emotional tone when discussing Rodri’s role with Spain. He made clear that his admiration for the player and the national team would remain unchanged.
“I will continue wearing your number 16 shirt with two stars on Spain’s shirt, because Spain is sacred to me,” he said.
Roncero ended by saying he respected Rodri’s feelings and his right to make his own decision, even though he remained unconvinced by the choice.
“Rodri, I wish you the best. You love Barcelona more, and Barcelona attracts you more, and people’s feelings must be respected,” he said.
He then added a sarcastic warning about Barcelona’s European record: “If another year and another year pass without winning the Champions League, there is no problem, because they are used to that there.”
Roncero concluded by returning to Real Madrid’s recent achievements.
“At Real Madrid, look, over the last 11 years they have won five or six titles. The European cups are almost falling out of our pockets,” he said.
