Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente says he believed Rodri would join Real Madrid before Barcelona won the race to sign the midfielder.
“At one point I thought Rodri would move to Real Madrid,” De la Fuente said while discussing the transfer that did not happen.
Real Madrid negotiated with the 30-year-old in July, and it was widely thought Rodri was leaning towards a move to the Spanish capital.
Barcelona then entered the race for the player and ultimately persuaded him to move to Camp Nou.
The Catalan club signed the World Cup winner from Manchester City for 65m euros, excluding bonuses.