‘I tried to tempt Rodri to join Real Madrid’ — Cucurella

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Marc Cucurella has revealed that he tried to tempt Spain teammate Rodri into joining him at Real Madrid before the midfielder chose Barcelona instead.

Cucurella made the revelation in an interview with Cadena SER, admitting he sent Rodri a “subtle message” before the transfer news broke in an attempt to convince him to move to the Bernabéu.

“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 Barça], though I hope he doesn’t have too much success.”

Rodri had been close to joining Real Madrid from Manchester City as part of the club’s rebuild before opting to sign for Barcelona.

Both players are currently with the Spain squad preparing for Saturday’s Nations League meeting with England at Wembley, but now represent rival clubs on opposite sides of El Clásico.

Cucurella is one of six new signings at Madrid under new manager José Mourinho, although the club have already suffered defeats against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid.

“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.”

Cucurella and Vinícius Júnior were repeatedly targeted down Madrid’s left flank during the derby defeat, but the Spain international said their partnership was still developing.

“It’s good playing with Vini, but ultimately, we’ve barely had any training time,” he said.

“Connecting with me is different compared to other full-backs, but it’s a process. From what I see, and with the effort he’s putting in — knowing it’s not his natural strength — Vinicius is really doing his part.”

Statistics have also shown that Madrid’s players have covered less total distance than their LaLiga rivals so far this season, although Cucurella rejected the suggestion that it was a concern.

“That stat surprised me,” he said.

“But we do run a lot. We’re talking about these figures because we lost the derby against Atleti. If we hadn’t lost, no one would be mentioning it.”

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