Manchester City star Rodri is finally back in action after a difficult year spent recovering from an ACL injury.
When Rodri limped off in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal last September, that would be the last time he would play in over eight months.
The Manchester City ace then saw his pre-season hampered by a groin injury, but last week, he made his first Premier League start in 11 months in the loss to Brighton.
Rodri is now on international duty with Spain and, speaking to national outlet El Mundo, he discussed his early days on the road to recovery.
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Rodri of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Manchester City and Plymouth Argyle at Etihad Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Rodri couldn’t sleep properly for the first three months
Rodri revealed that he struggled to get a good night’s sleep for the first three months due to the scar and the pain in his knee.
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He also said he ate less – and worse – because there was no need to use food as pre-match fuel and for post-match recovery, which would be the case when actively playing.
“In the first three months, I didn’t sleep well even one night,” said Rodri. “Because of the pain in my knee, because of the scar, which doesn’t let you turn over.
“It’s very uncomfortable because the pain doesn’t let you sleep.
“And then, yes, you eat a little less. You eat worse, obviously, because I’ve allowed myself the luxury of eating whatever I wanted.”
However, Rodri stressed that he worked harder than he’s ever done in his career during rehabilitation, including plenty of gym sessions, despite not being a “big fan”.
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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Now, Rodri believes he can actually have a longer playing career in the wake of his ACL injury and recovery.
Rodri responds when told he looks ‘very thin’
The outlet also commented on Rodri being ‘very thin’, to which he said this was normal after a long stint on the sidelines.
“When you’re not competing, your appetite goes down a bit. It’s also good not to return at the same weight,” he said.
“They always recommend returning at a lower weight and allowing competition to gradually return you to your normal weight.”
Rodri could now be involved for Spain in their World Cup qualifying trips to Bulgaria on Thursday night and against Turkiye on Sunday night.