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In a fierce battle between the Blaugrana<\/em>, last season\u2019s champions, and their great rivals Real Madrid<\/a>, Hansi Flick\u2019s new arrival explained why he chose the Catalan side.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “I have to thank City<\/a> for everything it gave me; it was seven unforgettable years personally and in football terms. From there, when Barcelona<\/a>\u2019s option came up, I understood it was the best move for me for many reasons. I have always based my decisions on the sporting side, on where I believe I can win, be happy and, above all, grow as a player. That is why I backed Bar\u00e7a, also because of the generation of players they have and what Hansi is managing to build,” said the 2024 Ballon d\u2019Or winner.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “A lot of things had to be analysed and an important decision had to be made involving two of the best clubs in the world. In the end, I decided based on the sporting side, on what made me want it a little more and on where I felt I could win and develop more as a player.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “It was by no means an easy decision; saying ‘no’ to Real Madrid<\/a> is not easy, especially because they behaved impeccably with me.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Although he did not accept Jos\u00e9 Mourinho<\/a>‘s invitation to join\u00a0Los Blancos<\/em>, Rodri<\/a> says he is a big admirer of the Special One\u2019s qualities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “Well, I don\u2019t think it is his style to reveal a private conversation, but of course he expressed his wish for me to go and what I could add to the team. The treatment was very good. When I made the decision, I also called him to thank him for the interest and the way he treated me.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “He seems like a top-class coach; he has already shown that everywhere he has been, in his great spells, and Real Madrid are going to be a difficult opponent in this league,” concluded the World Cup winner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n With a flying start at Barcelona, Rodri could establish himself as a key figure in midfield over the course of the season. Next weekend, the Catalan side will be aiming for a sixth straight La Liga<\/a> win at Camp Nou, against Racing Santander<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n