Rodri has hinted he could join Real Madrid in the future (Image: Getty)
Rodri admits he would find it difficult to turn down interest from Real Madrid after revealing his wish to return to La Liga in the future. The midfielder, 29, joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid back in 2019 and has since established himself as one of the most crucial players in Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side, even claiming the Ballon d'Or back in 2024.
Rodri has less than 18 months remaining on his contract at The Etihad and, ahead of international duty later this week, left the door ajar to a sensational return to Spain when he was questioned about his future before the possibility of a potential switch to Los Blancos was raised. "I'd like to return, yes, obviously," Rodri told Spanish radio station Onda Cero when asked about playing in Spain again.
"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'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. 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."
Having previously represented one of Real Madrid's main rivals in Atletico, it was subsequently suggested to Rodri that his association with his former club would likely scupper any prospect of a transfer to the Bernabeu.
Yet Rodri was insistent that any footballer would struggle to reject one of the 'best clubs in the world'. His comments qill pique the interest of Los Blancos given their preference for picking up elite-level players - such as Kylian Mbappe and [Trent Alexander-Arnold](https://www.express.co.uk/latest/trent-alexanderarnold) - on free transfers.
Rodri 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."