LaLiga: Mourinho names five players to play Rodri’s role at Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho, has claimed signing Rodri from Manchester City was not a necessity.

Mourinho, speaking ahead of their LaLiga opener against Espanyol, also insisted he has players in the squad that are capable of playing Rodri’s role.

He said: “Rodri’s signing was not a necessity.

“We don’t have any deficit; it was more like a cherry on top of the cake.

“We have Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde, Bernardo, Arda can also end up playing there.”

Rodri was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.

But the Spain captain made a u-turn and decided to sign for their biggest rivals Barcelona.