Rodrigo makes ‘very personal’ Leeds United exit admission
Rodrigo has admitted that he is “very satisfied” after deciding to leave Leeds United for Al-Rayyan in the summer transfer window.
Speaking to Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola on Monday (8 January), the Spanish international said he had a “positive” final season with the Whites despite the relegation down to the Championship, but that joining the Qatari side was his “best option” after making the £3million switch.
The 32-year-old forward revealed that he was in the mood for a new experience and to live in a completely different country, adding that his time in the Middle East has been “very positive” so far.
Asked why he made the switch to Qatar, Rodrigo said: “Well, it was a very personal issue, this possibility arose and despite the circumstances in Leeds, on a personal level I can say that it was a positive season. I even managed to finish with the title of the Nations League at the service of the national team of Spain.
“But football and life are circumstances, they are moments, they are opportunities, they are decisions, I considered that, given the circumstances in which I was, it was the best option.
“I was also in the mood to face this new experience on a professional and personal level, to live in a completely different country from what I was used to. And it has been very positive, I am very satisfied with the path and the decision I made.”
No hard feelings
Out of all of the players who decided to leave Leeds following the relegation from the Premier League, Rodrigo was the one who most fans didn’t hold any hard feelings against.
That’s because he gave absolutely everything to try and keep the club in the top flight last season, having scored 13 goals in 31 league appearances.
But the Whites took a massive hit on his sale as a clause in his contract meant the forward could leave Elland Road for just £3million after previously signing from Valencia in 2020 for £27million.
With the Spaniard entering the latter part of his career, it’s understandable that he wanted a new challenge and one that would be financially rewarding for him and his family.
Judging by his interview, he seems like he’s enjoying life with his new team in Qatar, where he’s scored five goals and laid on four assists in 10 appearances.
In other Leeds United news, an Elland Road exit has been confirmed on Instagram.