Dani Carvajal, the former Real Madrid captain now at Getafe, said on El Larguero on Cadena SER that he tried to convince Rodri to join Real Madrid in the summer, while also backing Vinicius Junior to recover from a difficult spell.
GOAL reported that Real Madrid opened serious talks with Rodri this summer, before Barcelona steered him towards the Camp Nou instead.
Carvajal on Rodri's decision
Carvajal said: "You have to ask Rodri about that too. I spoke to him, he asked me some questions, and I tried to convince him. I think there were others on the other side... I'm sure he has his reasons for choosing to play there (at Barcelona)."
His view of Rodri's quality
Asked how badly Real Madrid need a player of Rodri's calibre, Carvajal said: "Any team would want to sign a player like Rodri. He is an incredible player and it's difficult to find one like him. He would be a wonderful addition to any team."
Support for Vinicius Junior
Carvajal said: "In every career, there are always difficult moments, and I think Vinicius is going through one of them, especially after his recent sending off. But he has to stay calm, because he has just renewed his contract, and he is a wonderful player and a special person."
Contract renewal and exit talk
Carvajal said: "I know Vinicius will return to his best because he has overcome tougher situations. I lived through these experiences with him in the dressing room."
Asked whether he had discussed a possible exit with the winger, Carvajal said: "I haven't had the chance to speak to him in great detail about this matter, but I know that Real Madrid were present in the contract renewal... and I know that he probably wasn't short of offers to leave."