Old and almost finished: mockery of the shifting Real Madrid narrative in the Rodri deal

"They're with Diomande, and Barcelona with Rodri!"

Rodri Hernandez's move to Barcelona did not pass without controversy in the Spanish media, particularly given the varied reactions from outlets close to Real Madrid, who failed to convince the Manchester City man to defend their colours.

Journalist David Sanchez mocked the sudden shift in the Madrid press over their assessment of the Spain captain after he chose the Catalan club and snubbed Real Madrid.

Speaking on the programme La Tribu on Radio Marca, Sanchez said: "Just three weeks ago, Rodri was a strategic signing, the best midfielder in the world, and the man who would give Jose Mourinho's side the shape it needed next season."

He added sarcastically: "But Rodri chose Barcelona and rejected Real Madrid, and since then the narrative has changed. Rodri has become old, almost finished, with major fears of him suffering a new injury, in addition to his high salary."

By his account, the shift went so far as to frame Madrid's failure to land Rodri as a win. "That is to say, they succeeded in dodging a bullet. We should laugh, indeed we should admire them," he said.

Barcelona, by contrast, had pulled off a double coup, according to Sanchez. "It is a completely successful signing for Barcelona and for Joan Laporta, because the club did not only sign the best holding midfielder in the world, but also snatched him away from their eternal rivals Real Madrid," he explained.

A sarcastic comparison between the two clubs' choices closed his remarks. "Real Madrid have Diomande, and Barcelona have Rodri. We will see what happens at the end of the season," he said.

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