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Manchester City’s midfielder, Rodri, has hinted at a potential transfer to Real Madrid, acknowledging that “one cannot decline the world’s premier clubs.”
The Spanish international transferred to City in 2019 from Atletico Madrid and proved to be an instrumental factor in their triumphs under Pep Guardiola, securing 11 significant accolades, among them the Champions League.
He was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2024, not long after sustaining a tear to his cruciate ligament, an ailment that sidelined him for eight months.
Rodri states that the demanding nature of the Premier League is beginning to wear him down, and he articulated his aspiration to go back to La Liga. The 29-year-old’s agreement at the Etihad has 15 months remaining.
Conversing with Onda Cero while representing his country, prior to Spain’s exhibition match with Serbia in Villarreal tomorrow evening, he remarked: “Certainly, I would be keen to go back.
“For me, La Liga is where my career began. I still keep track of it, though admittedly less intensely than previously, but I do still monitor it.
“And I must concede that the Premier League holds a particular fondness for me. I believe it’s an exhilarating league, yet simultaneously very rigorous, which means it tests your boundaries. I’ve been competing there for seven years now, and I’m feeling the effects of time, but currently, I am quite content there.”
I must discuss matters with Manchester City – Rodri
Rodri has not yet attained the standards he accomplished prior to his injury, a period when he was largely regarded as the planet’s premier defensive midfielder, and he asserts that this is his primary focus.
“I am presently recuperating from an ailment, and what troubles me at this moment is my physical condition, my performance standard, and how to regain my prior level,” he stated. “The contractual matter is not the concern; that will arise, particularly with a World Cup on the horizon, which is vital for attaining my standard.
“Currently, I feel somewhat unburdened, though clearly I have twelve months remaining on my agreement. Inevitably, there will come a juncture where we must convene for discussions, engage in dialogue.”
Rodri is not convinced his Atletico history would pose an impediment
Rodri furthermore asserts that his former association with Atletico would not rule out a transfer to their local competitors.
He further stated: “No, I mean, numerous players have followed that trajectory, haven’t they? And particularly not directly, but eventually.
“I mean, in my opinion, one cannot decline the world’s elite sides.
“Their supporters demonstrate immense devotion, and for me, the Bernabeu is consistently magnificent, a truly commanding stadium.”
Rodri would present a superb match at the Santiago Bernabeu, given Madrid’s deficiency in elite-tier expertise in midfield subsequent to the exits of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric over the past two years.
His readiness to anchor the midfield and control the tempo would facilitate individuals such as Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde to advance into more offensive positions.
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