Roberto Gomez Critiques Barcelona and Real Madrid's Transfer Conduct
Roberto Gomez has launched a fierce attack on Barcelona over their conduct in the Julian Alvarez saga, while also accusing Real Madrid of a serious misstep in allowing Rodri to slip to their greatest rivals.
The Spanish journalist, speaking on La Tribu on Radio Marca, was left dazzled by Rodri’s unveiling as a new Barcelona player – and stunned by what the midfielder revealed.
According to Gomez, Rodri admitted there had been previous contacts with Real Madrid officials before he chose the Catalan giants. For Gomez, that choice exposed a major error in the Bernabeu offices.
“I believe Real Madrid made a grave mistake in letting Rodri leave, because he would have given the midfield a major boost,” he argued, underlining just how highly he rates the Spain international.
The praise did not stop there. Gomez described Rodri as “a world champion, a wonderful player, indeed the best. We have always valued his level, and I wish him every success in his new phase.”
Barcelona under fire over Julian Alvarez talks
When the conversation turned to Julian Alvarez, the tone hardened.
Gomez was clear on one point: the Argentina forward has earned the right to decide his own future. The problem, in his eyes, lies with how Barcelona dealt with Atletico Madrid during negotiations.
That is where he drew a line.
Gomez accused Barcelona of operating “behind Atletico’s back, and in a very despicable manner. This is unacceptable in football,” he said, his words leaving little room for interpretation.
He went further, branding the club’s behaviour “arrogant”, “conceited” and “condescending” as they tried to manoeuvre their way into a deal for Alvarez without, in his view, showing Atletico the proper respect.
Florentino praised as the exception
If Barcelona came under heavy fire, Florentino Perez emerged untouched.
For Gomez, the Real Madrid president was the only leading figure to handle the Alvarez situation correctly. “The only person who acted properly in all of this is Florentino Perez,” he insisted.
By Gomez’s account, Perez first spoke directly with Alvarez and then, crucially, followed protocol by contacting Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo.
In a transfer market often dominated by shadows and shortcuts, Gomez drew a sharp contrast: Barcelona cast as the club cutting corners, Real Madrid’s president presented as the one man who, this time, played by the book.
