Manchester City star Rodri has made a big claim regarding his future as a footballer in the wake of his ACL injury.
Rodri spent most of last season out on the sidelines due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, arguably the worst injury a footballer can get.
In addition, the Manchester City star had to deal with groin problems in pre-season, which hampered his preparations for the 2025/26 campaign.
Rodri has now linked up with the Spain national team and, speaking to the Spanish media, he gave a big insight into his future as a player.
Rodri looking on during Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Rodri thinks his injury break will help lengthen his career
While recovering from injury is often a frustrating process, Rodri was keen to think of the positives.
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One of those, according to the City ace, is that his legs and his body have had a rest from football for a year.
Indeed, Rodri has claimed that his injury-enforced rest could lengthen his sporting career.
“I’ve been able to do things while injured that I couldn’t do [normally],” Rodri told El Mundo.
“Spending a lot more time with my people, with my family and, above all, because I always try to look at the positive side of things.
“I think that the injury is going to lengthen my sporting career because, whether you like it or not, I’ve been giving my legs and my body a rest for a year now.
“Obviously, nobody wants an injury like that, but that’s the positive side.”
In addition, Rodri spoke about the positive effects on his mind along with his body.
“Also to give some fresh air to the brain, yes,” said Rodri.
“I would also put it on the same level as the physical aspect. The fact of getting excited again, of getting motivated again, of seeking new goals.”
Rodri: "He tenido que oxigenar el coco. ¿Que hoy me apetece desayunar galletas de chocolate? Pues las desayuno. Parece una gilipollez, pero es la hostia a nivel mental"
Una entrevista de @EJCASTELAO https://t.co/3l3ppEG7Im
— EL MUNDO Deportes (@ElMundoDeportes) September 4, 2025
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How many more years Rodri expects to play professionally
Rodri was also asked by the Spanish outlet how long he thinks he will continue playing professional football.
The City star responded by saying he feels young, though at the same time, he doesn’t see himself playing at 40 like Luka Modric.
“I still consider myself young, so we’ll see how things go,” said Rodri. “I see myself as a little past the halfway point of my career.
“Ultimately, there’s also a genetic factor. I’m a very old guy. What do I know?
“I see Modric, at 40, and it’s unimaginable that I, at 40, could be at Modric’s level.
“In any case, I think this injury, this year, will help extend my sporting career.”
Manchester City are working to extend Rodri’s contract – understandably so, as he is one of their standout players.
However, the Citizens will need to work hard, as Real Madrid admire Rodri.