Former Spain striker Alvaro Morata says he knew Rodri Hernandez would eventually join Barcelona after the midfielder completed his move from Manchester City in August.
Morata, who now plays for Leganes, was speaking about Rodri’s recent switch to the Catalan club. His comments came after the 30-year-old midfielder had already made three appearances for Hans-Dieter Flick’s side.
“I knew that Rodri would end up at Barcelona,” Morata said.
Rodri joined the Blaugrana in August after leaving Manchester City, bringing an experienced midfielder into Flick’s squad. He has since featured three times for Barcelona as he adapts to his new team and surroundings.
His first start came in Barcelona’s latest match against Valencia, when the Catalan side secured a 5-0 victory. Rodri was named in the starting line-up for the first time under Flick in that emphatic result.
The midfielder’s arrival from Manchester City had been followed closely, given his status as an established player and his previous connection with Spanish football. His move to Barcelona marked a significant change of club, while his early appearances have allowed him to begin settling into Flick’s team.
Morata, a former Spain international, is now continuing his career with Leganes. His assessment of Rodri’s destination provides the main focus of his comments, with the striker indicating that Barcelona’s interest and the eventual transfer did not come as a surprise to him.
Rodri has already been involved in three matches for Barcelona, although the Valencia game was the first occasion on which he started. The 5-0 scoreline also gave the new signing an important first starting appearance in a convincing team performance.
Flick’s side therefore have Rodri integrated into the squad after his August move from Manchester City, while Morata’s remarks underline his belief that the midfielder’s future would eventually take him to Barcelona.