Manchester City midfielder Rodri has opened the door to a possible move to Real Madrid and admitted “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”
The Spain international joined City in 2019 from Atletico Madrid and has been a pivotal part of their success under Pep Guardiola, winning 11 major trophies, including the Champions League.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, shortly after rupturing his cruciate ligament, an injury that kept him out for eight months.
Rodri says the rigours of the Premier League are starting to take its toll and made clear his desire to return to La Liga. The 29-year-old has 15 months left on his deal at the Etihad.
Speaking to Onda Cero while on international duty ahead of Spain’s friendly with Serbia in Villarreal tomorrow night, he said: “I’d like to return, yes, obviously.
“For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, it’s true not as much as before, but I still follow it.
“And I have to admit that the Premier League is my weakness. I think it’s a thrilling league but at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit. I’ve been there for seven years now, and I’m noticing the passage of time, but for the moment I’m very happy there.”
I will have to talk to Manchester City – Rodri
Rodri has yet to reach the levels he achieved before his injury, when he was widely considered the best holding midfielder in the world, and he says that is his priority.
“I’m currently recovering from an injury, and what worries me right now is my feeling, my level, how to get back to my previous level,” he said. “Not the contract issue, that will come, especially with a World Cup coming up, which is crucial for reaching my level.
“Right now I’m free, well, obviously I have a year left on my contract, obviously there will be a point where we’ll have to sit down and talk, have a conversation.”
Rodri does not believe Atletico past would be an issue
Rodri also says his Atletico past would not preclude a move to their city rivals.
He added: “No, I mean, there have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time.
“I mean, for me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.
“They have a fanbase that really goes all out for them, and for me, the Bernabeu is always incredible, a stadium that’s very imposing.”
Rodri would be an excellent fit at the Santiago Bernabeu with Madrid lacking top-level experience in midfield following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the last two years.
His willingness to sit and dictate play would enable the likes of Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde to push forward into more attacking roles.
