Rodri made headlines earlier this week by opening the door to a transfer to Real Madrid as he approaches the final year of his current contract with Manchester City
Rodri in interview
Rodri spoke highly of Real Madrid(Image: Onda Cero)
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Manchester City star Rodri has attempted to downplay his comments on Real Madrid after revealing that he'd be open to joining his former rivals. Rodri, 29, is out of contract at City in June 2027 and has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu either this summer or next on a free transfer.
The Spain international played for Real's local rivals, Atletico Madrid, earlier this career. "There have been many players who have gone down that path, right?" Rodri said this week while on international duty.
"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."
His comments took up plenty of column inches and have led to criticism. After Spain beat Serbia 3-0 in a friendly on Friday, Rodri fired back.
"I'm used to it," the midfielder laughed. "If, out of a 50-minute interview, they cut out whatever they want... in the end, I don't have much more to say. I'm a person who speaks directly. The interview is there if you want to listen to it in its entirety... and not just certain snippets."
It was during an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero that Rodri sparked headlines. "I'd like to return (to Spain), yes, obviously," the ex-Atletico star declared. "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."
Rodri also admitted that the Premier League is his 'weakness', despite winning the title four times with City. "I think it's a thrilling league but at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit," the 29-year-old explained.
VILLAREAL, SPAIN - MARCH 27: Rodri of Spain during the International Friendly match between Spain v Serbia at the Estadio de la Ceramica on March 27, 2026 in Villareal Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Rodri felt that his comments were taken out of context(Image: David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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"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."