Marc Cucurella has revealed he sent Rodri a subtle message encouraging the Spain midfielder to join him at Real Madrid before he ultimately opted to move to Barcelona. Rodri had been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu during Real Madrids major rebuild this summer, but the Manchester City midfielder instead joined their LaLiga rivals, with Barcelona now six points clear at the top of the table.Cucurella was one of six new signings at Madrid during the summer and has since been reunited with Rodri in the Spain squad ahead of Saturdays Nations League meeting with England at Wembley.Speaking to Cadena SER, the defender admitted he had made his preference clear to Rodri before his transfer was confirmed.I dont really like pressuring or influencing teammates, Cucurella said.These are personal things. Its true that I sent him a subtle message, before the news broke, saying I hoped wed become teammates.He replied, but didnt give anything away. Im happy for him [at Barca], though I hope he doesnt have too much success.Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona, with Hansi Flicks side making a strong start to the season despite the midfielders arrival being one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer.Cucurella, meanwhile, has been tasked with helping Jose Mourinhos new-look Real Madrid side challenge for silverware after joining from Chelsea.The start to life at the Bernabeu has not gone completely to plan, however, with Madrid already suffering defeats against Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.The latter loss came in the most recent match before the international break, with Atletico running out comfortable winners in the derby.Cucurella acknowledged that Madrid still have work to do after their difficult start but insisted the players remain focused on developing as a group.We didnt finish the period before the break in the best way, Cucurella said.Its all a process, but the important thing is to build a solid foundation Lets see if we can find a good balance and build a strong, united group. If the season ends the way we all want it to, no one will remember the start. Topics FC Barcelona Marc Cucurella Real Madrid CF Rodri Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Lamine Yamal explains why goals should not decide the Ballon dOr Mitch Fretton 23rd September, 2026 Tip of the Day: Leylah Fernandez and a Womens Champions League double Ben Miller 23rd September, 2026 Javier Tebas: Real Madrid call for La Liga president to leave over intolerable attacks Ben Miller 22nd September, 2026 Kylian Mbappe reveals his mother fell in love with Liverpool during transfer talks Mitch Fretton 22nd September, 2026 Stop blaming the refs, Jose! La Liga chief Tebas says Mourinho needs to look closer to home to sort Real Madrid issues Jon Fisher 22nd September, 2026 Five England players to watch during the international break Cian Cheesbrough 21st September, 2026
