Rodri
On Wednesday, Rodri started in Manchester City’s league win over Fulham and was on the pitch for 71 minutes.
Earlier that day, the Spain international received the 2023 King Felipe Award, as part of the national sports award in his country.
The Manchester City star wasn’t present due to the clash against Marco Silva’s side. His father, Antonio Hernández, collected the award on his son’s behalf, and the latter then spoke to the Spanish media.
Cadena Ser have covered Hernández’s comments on several topics, including his son’s fitness and future at the Etihad.
2025 was a difficult period for the Manchester City star
The midfielder suffered a serious injury in September 2024, a month before he won the Ballon d’Or, forcing him to spend over 200 days on the sidelines. He regained full fitness in May 2025 and represented Pep Guardiola’s side at the Club World Cup last summer.
However, Rodri picked up further injuries in the second half of 2025 and only started to feature regularly this year. Hernández explained it hasn’t been easy for his son since the setback in 2024.
“It’s been tough because for a Ballon d’Or winner, suddenly having to stop, readjust a year later, and say, ‘I want to be the same player again,’ is difficult,” he said.
“This year has been very hard, but he’s recovered well from not playing for a year. There’s always some muscle issue, but right now he’s in top form and incredibly eager to go to the World Cup. He’s working very hard, and you only have to see it to believe it.”
“At first, it’s more physical suffering. He returned to play and in his first match he was almost back to being the Rodri we knew before, so our family has absolute confidence in him.”
Father refuses to comment on long-term future at Etihad
Real Madrid have looked at the former Atlético Madrid man over the years, but that option is no longer available. On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain explaining why Los Blancos are no longer keen.
Rodri’s contract at the Etihad expires in 2027, and when asked about his Manchester City future, Hernández explained: “I can’t say anything. He’s very happy where he is. I don’t know anything; the story has to be written.”