Manchester City midfielder Rodri suggested he would be open to returning to La Liga before the end of his career
Manchester City midfielder Rodri
Manchester City midfielder Rodri(Image: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has urged fans to listen to his full interview from earlier this week after he said he would be open to returning to La Liga before the end of his career. After winning the Carabao Cup, the 29-year-old joined up with the Spanish national team for the final international break of the campaign.
During an interview with Spanish media, Rodri was asked about the prospect of playing for Real Madrid, despite previously representing Atletico, and returning to La Liga. He replied: "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." He then added: "I’d like to return [to Spain], yes, obviously."
Rodri's contract expires in 2027 and his words led to concerns he might push for a City exit either this summer or at the end of his current deal. But the midfielder has now spoken again about the fallout from the interview, insisting that context was missing.
"I'm used to it," he explained in response to that interview. "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."
Despite his admiration for La Liga and admitting he still follows the division, Rodri was also complimentary about the Premier League in that initial interview. "I think it's a thrilling league but at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit," he said.
"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." Rodri is due to return to City after Tuesday's international friendly against Egypt, ahead of Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final vs Liverpool.
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