Rodri reveals he called Mourinho after rejecting Real Madrid for Barcelona

Rodri has said he turned down Real Madrid to join Barcelona this summer, revealing he personally called José Mourinho to thank him for the club's interest.

• Rodri said he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid for sporting reasons, guided by what excited him most and convinced by sporting director Deco and coach Hansi Flick.
• He revealed he called Mourinho after the decision to thank him, calling him a great coach and saying Madrid will be a tough rival in the league this season.
• Barcelona signed Rodri from Manchester City for an initial €60 million after seven years in England.
• Rodri declined to put Barcelona at the top of the Champions League favourites, saying the team still needs more maturity in decisive moments despite the title being a realistic goal.