Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, broke his silence and spoke for the first time about Rodri's transfer to FC Barcelona, and the midfielder's preference to play for Barça over the Royal Club.
Real Madrid had been interested in signing Rodri during the current summer transfer window and submitted an offer to acquire the Spanish international from Manchester City, but the player ultimately chose to move to Barcelona.
Rodri cost Barcelona's coffers more than 70 million euros, and the player signed with Barça for four seasons.
Courtois criticized Rodri for refusing to join Real Madrid, in statements reported by the "Goal" website, explaining that the midfielder lost a great deal by not playing for Los Merengues.
Courtois said: "Every player chooses the club they wish to play for; if he did not want to transfer and play with us, then it is unfortunate for him. Rodri is a great player, but he made his decision, and the matter is settled."
Regarding Rodri staying at the same hotel where Real Madrid was lodged before facing Espanyol, he added: "Rodri is staying in the same hotel as us? Well, the hotel is large, and there will be many people there."
Courtois participated yesterday, Saturday, in Real Madrid's hard-fought victory over Espanyol by two goals to one, within the second round of the Spanish League.
And Real Madrid hopes to deliver a good season, after Los Blancos suffered greatly over the past two seasons.