Courtois on Rodri's Choice: Real Madrid Moves On

Thibaut Courtois did not bother with diplomacy.

Asked about Rodri’s decision to turn down Real Madrid and sign for Barcelona, the 34-year-old goalkeeper delivered the sort of blunt response that has defined his career.

“Every player chooses where they want to be. If he didn't want to be with us, well, that's a pity... for him,” Courtois said after Real Madrid’s dramatic win over Espanyol. “In the end, he's a great player, but he made his choice, and that's it.”

No attempt to soften the blow. No olive branch. Just a clear line: if you don’t choose Madrid, Madrid moves on.

The backdrop only adds spice. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner was reportedly staying at the same hotel as the Real Madrid squad in Catalonia on the eve of their game against Espanyol, a detail that fuelled speculation that a late twist in the saga might still be possible.

Courtois brushed that aside with a shrug.

“He stays in our hotel? Well, the hotel is big, there will be many people there,” he added, cutting through the noise with a touch of irony.

Mourinho explains why the deal died

While Courtois framed it as Rodri’s choice, Jose Mourinho went deeper into why the move never materialised.

The new Real Madrid coach confirmed that the club pushed hard for the former Manchester City midfielder, but suggested Rodri’s hesitation ultimately killed the transfer.

“I spoke to him a couple of times and Real Madrid made him a very good offer,” Mourinho revealed. “I think there is a very good relationship with City. Without negotiating with City, the club made contact with Rodri, they made him a major offer. Rodri had doubts, he hesitated and Rodri’s doubts created doubts for me.”

That was the turning point. Once Mourinho sensed uncertainty, the door began to close.

For him, Real Madrid’s stature demands instant conviction, not second thoughts.

He made that standard crystal clear: this is not a club that waits around for players to decide if they truly want the shirt.

“I am not lacking Rodri”

Questions about whether Madrid are now light in midfield were inevitable. Mourinho swatted them away just as firmly as Courtois did the narrative around rejection.

“I am not lacking Rodri,” he stated, leaving no room for interpretation. “We are not lacking players. I’m not saying there won’t be any more signings because the market is open, but if you ask me directly if it’s closed for me… yes. It is closed. I really like the squad.”

No public pining. No talk of “Plan B”. Just a manager doubling down on what he already has.

Rodri has chosen Barcelona. Courtois has made his feelings known. Mourinho has moved on.

The question now is simple: when the season reaches its decisive months, who will be more satisfied with that choice?