Marc Cucurella has revealed he sent Rodri a “subtle message” to encourage the Spanish midfielder to join Real Madrid before he eventually opted to move to Barcelona.
Rodri was heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu during Real Madrid’s major rebuild this summer, but the Manchester City midfielder joined their La Liga rivals instead, with Barcelona now six points clear at the top of the table.
Cucurella is one of six new signings by Madrid this summer and has since reunited with Rodri in the Spanish squad ahead of Saturday’s Nations League tie with England at Wembley.
The defender admitted in an interview with Cadena SER that he had made his preference clear to Rodri before the move was confirmed.
“I really don’t like to put pressure on my teammates or influence them,” Cucurella said.
“These are personal things. Indeed, before the news broke, I sent him a subtle message saying I hoped we could be teammates.
“He responded but didn’t reveal any information. I’m happy for him [at Barca]although I hope he doesn’t have too much success. “
Rodri ultimately opted for Barcelona, with Hansi Flick’s side making a strong start to the season, although the midfielder’s arrival was one of the summer’s most high-profile transfers.
Cucurella, meanwhile, has been tasked with helping Mourinho’s new Real Madrid side challenge for trophies after joining from Chelsea.
However, things haven’t started quite as planned at the Bernabeu, with Real already losing to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.
The latter defeat came in the most recent game before the international break, with Atletico winning comfortably in the derby.
Cucurella admitted Real Madrid still have a lot of work to do after a difficult start but insisted the players remain focused on developing as a team.
“We didn’t end the period in the best way before halftime,” 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 team. If the season ends the way we all want it to, no one will remember the start.”