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 Madrid’s 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 Saturday’s 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 don’t really like pressuring or influencing teammates,” Cucurella said.
“These are personal things. It’s true that I sent him a subtle message, before the news broke, saying I hoped we’d become teammates.
“He replied, but didn’t give anything away. I’m happy for him [at Barca], though I hope he doesn’t have too much success.”
Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona, with Hansi Flick’s side making a strong start to the season despite the midfielder’s arrival being one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer.
Cucurella, meanwhile, has been tasked with helping Jose Mourinho’s 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 didn’t finish the period before the break in the best way,” Cucurella said.
“It’s all a process, but the important thing is to build a solid foundation… Let’s 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.”
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