Rodri has expressed his joy after returning to full fitness and playing the entire 90 minutes in our 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea.
[Football players in Chelsea and Manchester City kits contesting a ball on the pitch, with 'Official Verdict' graphic.
Match Report
City suffer late frustration in Chelsea draw](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/manchester-city-chelsea-202526-match-report-63903142)
Tijjani Reijnders blasted us ahead shortly before the interval, but the visitors left it late to strike the equaliser through a 94th minute goal from Enzo Fernandez.
After his anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up in September 2024, the Spaniard has had a stuttered return to action after picking up a few further niggles.
He returned as a half-time substitute in our goalless draw with Sunderland last time out, and made his first start since November 2025 at the Etihad against Chelsea.
READ: WE CAN LEARN FROM CHELSEA DRAW, SAYS RODRI
Despite being frustrated with the late setback, Rodri communicated his gratitude at being back on the pitch in his interview with City Studios.
“To be honest, despite the result, despite everything, for me, it’s been a terrible, terrible time for me.
“Everything that come through is a gift for me. Everything that comes right now, every minute that I be on the pitch is a joy for me.
“Thank you to God for giving me this second opportunity and to enjoy my profession and recover a bit my smile.”
The midfielder also spoke about the busy schedule and looked ahead to another tough assignment against Brighton on Wednesday.
Watch the entire interview via the video at the top of the page.