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Manchester City star Rodri has opted against joining Real Madrid and instead chosen a move to their fierce rivals Barcelona, with fresh details now emerging over the thinking behind that decision.

Rodri’s choice has naturally dominated football headlines across Europe throughout Thursday.

In what could prove to be a major development in the long-term fight for supremacy in Spanish football, the midfielder widely regarded by many as the best in the world has decided that joining Hansi Flick’s Barcelona represents the most logical next step in his career.

After being strongly linked with Real Madrid for weeks, Los Blancos now look set to miss out on signing him, dealing a significant setback to José Mourinho and his coaching staff ahead of the new season.

So what ultimately persuaded Rodri to look away from Madrid and towards Catalunya? Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, quoting sources close to the operation, has now explained the key reason.

“The 30-year-old midfielder feels he has a stronger connection with the Catalan club’s style of play and also a personal bond with several of the players he lines up with in the Spanish national team. He had time to think over the offer and decided to choose Barça.”