I pity him - Courtois takes swipe at Rodri over snubbing Real Madrid for Barcelona

Barcelona and Real Madrid were linked with a move to sign Rodri this summer after refusing to sign a new contract with Manchester City.

However, it was the La Liga title winners who got the Spaniard, having recently announced his move from Manchester City.

The one-time Ballon d’Or winner was signed for €76 million (£65.4 million / $88.5 million) including add-ons.

Courtois did not hold back when questioned about Rodri's decision to join Barcelona instead of Madrid. 

Following Real Madrid's hard-fought win against Espanyol, the Belgian keeper addressed the high-profile transfer saga that saw the Spanish international opt for the Catalan club.

"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 stated. "In the end, he's a great player, but he made his choice, and that's it."

The comments followed reports that Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, was staying in the same hotel as the Real Madrid squad just before their match in Catalonia. 

Courtois downplayed the coincidence, adding, "He stays in our hotel? Well, the hotel is big, there will be many people there."

While Courtois focused on the player's choice, new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho offered a different perspective, explaining that Rodri's own hesitation was a key factor in the deal's collapse. 

The Portuguese coach confirmed Madrid's interest but stressed that the club's stature demands full commitment from potential signings.

As Madrid's interest cooled, Barcelona acted swiftly to land their top target. New manager Hansi Flick had identified the Spaniard as the ideal anchor for his midfield, particularly with ongoing fitness concerns surrounding Frenkie de Jong. 

The Catalan club ultimately put together a significant financial package to secure the Premier League's premier defensive midfielder.