Marc Cucurella has revealed he despatched Rodri a “delicate message” encouraging the Spain midfielder to hitch him at Real Madrid earlier than he finally opted to maneuver to Barcelona.
Rodri had been closely linked with a transfer to the Bernabeu throughout Actual Madrid’s main rebuild this summer season, however the Manchester Metropolis midfielder as an alternative joined their LaLiga rivals, with Barcelona now six factors clear on the prime of the desk.
Cucurella was certainly one of six new signings at Madrid throughout the summer season and has since been reunited with Rodri within the Spain squad forward of Saturday’s Nations League assembly with England at Wembley.
Chatting with Cadena SER, the defender admitted he had made his desire clear to Rodri earlier than his switch was confirmed.
“I don’t actually like pressuring or influencing teammates,” Cucurella stated.
“These are private issues. It’s true that I despatched him a delicate message, earlier than the information broke, saying I hoped we’d grow to be teammates.
“He replied, however didn’t give something away. I’m joyful for him [at Barca], although I hope he doesn’t have an excessive amount of success.”
Rodri finally selected Barcelona, with Hansi Flick’s facet making a robust begin to the season regardless of the midfielder’s arrival being probably the most high-profile transfers of the summer season.
Cucurella, in the meantime, has been tasked with serving to Jose Mourinho’s new-look Actual Madrid facet problem for silverware after becoming a member of from Chelsea.
The begin to life on the Bernabeu has not gone utterly to plan, nevertheless, with Madrid already struggling defeats in opposition to Actual Betis and Atletico Madrid.
The latter loss got here in the latest match earlier than the worldwide break, with Atletico operating out comfy winners within the derby.
Cucurella acknowledged that Madrid nonetheless have work to do after their troublesome begin however insisted the gamers stay targeted on growing as a gaggle.
“We didn’t end the interval earlier than the break in one of the best ways,” Cucurella stated.
“It’s all a course of, however the essential factor is to construct a strong basis… Let’s see if we will discover a good stability and construct a robust, united group. If the season ends the best way all of us need it to, nobody will bear in mind the beginning.”
