"I was thinking ... where? But I'd heard about the A-League. A lot of people noticed when [Alessandro] Del Piero went there. I could see it was a high quality league. It's going to be a big challenge."
There were a few other offers but the Phoenix - and some time in the Southern Hemisphere - appealed. His prime motivation is a decent crack at first-team football after several years in the development and reserve sides at Sunderland.
"The standard is quite high [playing in the reserve teams] and sometimes you get to play in the big stadiums but never in front of many people and you also play at grounds in the middle of nowhere," he says. "It's not the same impact as playing in a league."
Rodriguez joined Sunderland on a scholarship in 2009. Having grown up in Tenerife - which he claims has the "best weather in the world" - landing in the north-east of England as a 16-year-old was a sharp shock.
"It was snowing every day and freezing," remembers Rodriguez. "It was the worst winter [in the region] in 30 years or something. I had three heaters going in my house. I was completely covered up for training, although often it was moved inside anyway."
He made progress, moving from the development squad to being captain of the reserves and signed professional terms (and Borussia Dortmund also showed interest at one point) but couldn't crack the first team.
After 13 players were signed last summer, he knew a new deal was unlikely. Sunderland youth coach Robbie Stockdale recommended Rodriguez to Phoenix assistant Chris Greenacre and the Wellington club moved quickly.
"I'm not looking back. It's all about now," Rodriguez says. "I learned a lot at Sunderland so it was a positive experience."
Rodriguez made an instant impact for the Phoenix, with an assist followed by a stunning goal in their 2-1 victory over West Ham.
Various Sunderland websites reveal some similar strikes, so expect an attacking threat from the 21-year-old.
"He brings quality at both ends of the pitch," coach Ernie Merrick says. "He is good on the ball but also works hard. He has a lot to offer."
Alongside Rodriguez, there's also a lot of expectation around Dutch recruit Roly Bonevacia.
The 22-year-old defensive midfielder spent a decade in the famed Ajax system and most recently played for Roda JC in the Dutch first division. He has also represented Holland at under-17 and under-19 level.
"Roly has fitted in well and adapted quickly," Merrick says. "I expect him to shine in this league."
The arrival of the young duo continues a change in direction for the A-League. Instead of European players coming Down Under in the twilight or at the very end of their careers, the Australasian competition is now seen as a genuine alternative to the lesser European leagues.
Bonevacia had offers from Scottish Premier League clubs but, with a 15-month-old daughter, also came for lifestyle reasons.
The first challenge for the Phoenix comes today against Perth, with pressure to begin well after last year's bad start.
"I can't wait for it all to start," says Rodriguez. "I feel very comfortable in this team already and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do."
