Rodri has made it clear that Barcelona was always his preferred destination despite having other options before completing his move from Manchester City.
The Spain international, who has signed for Barcelona until June 2030, explained that his decision was driven by sporting ambitions and his desire to work under Hansi Flick.
“I had other options, but for me Barcelona was my first choice,” Rodri said. “I made that clear to everyone involved.”
The midfielder's comments underline how strongly he wanted the move, with Barcelona eventually reaching an agreement with Manchester City after several rounds of negotiations.
Rodri Excited to Work With Hansi Flick
Rodri believes joining Flick's Barcelona can help him improve even further.
“All my career’s decisions were led by sporting factors, and this one too. Hansi Flick's style attracts me a lot,” he said.
“I think that I can improve even further with him.”
The 30 year old arrives at Barça with an impressive collection of experience and major honours, but he appears determined to keep developing rather than simply rely on what he has already achieved.
Working under Flick will allow Rodri to adapt to another tactical system after years of playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Sergio Busquets Remains a Role Model
Rodri also addressed comparisons with former Barcelona midfield great Sergio Busquets.
“Sergio Busquets has always been a great role model,” he said. “It's a privilege that they compare me to him.”
The comparison is understandable given the similarities in their positions and their importance to Spain's midfield over different generations.
However, Rodri appears focused on creating his own identity at Barcelona rather than trying to replicate Busquets.
Rodri Ready to Return to Training
The new Barcelona signing also provided an update on his physical condition after undergoing surgery.
“I’m absolutely fit and ready to play! The surgery was nothing serious,” Rodri said.
He is now hoping to begin training with his new teammates as quickly as possible.
“Hopefully I can train tomorrow, put myself under Hansi’s orders as soon as possible; whenever he thinks I’m ready to.”
That will be welcome news for Barcelona, who will be keen to see their major midfield signing integrated into Flick's squad.
“We’re Gonna Try to Win It All”
Rodri has arrived with ambitions that go far beyond simply settling into his new surroundings.
“We're gonna do everything to win in Europe and continue winning in La Liga. We're really happy,” he said.
He later summed up his mentality with an even more direct message:
“We’re gonna go to try WIN IT ALL.”
That ambition fits perfectly with Barcelona's expectations.
Rodri has joined the club to compete for major trophies, and his first words as a Barça player suggest he is already looking ahead to the biggest prizes.
For now, the focus is on getting fully integrated into Flick's team.
But Rodri has already made his intentions clear... Barcelona was his first choice, and he wants to help the club win everything available.