Manchester City midfielder Rodri missed seven months of action after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Arsenal in 2024.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri
Manchester City midfielder Rodri(Image: Copa/Getty Images)
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Rodri has admitted he feared he would never play for Manchester City again after missing seven months of action through injury. During a Premier League clash with Arsenal in September 2024, the Spanish midfielder suffered an ACL tear. This left the soon-to-be Ballon d'Or winner out until April 2025.
City have tried to be cautious with his return from injury, but Rodri has still suffered several setbacks. Between January and April this year, the 29-year-old showed signs of a return to full fitness before a groin injury ensured he played just one of the final six Premier League games.
In an interview with DAZN (as per AS), the midfielder revealed his doubts about a return to competitive football following his ACL injury. "When I came back, I had some doubts about being able to play normally again," he explained.
"I felt very limited, in a lot of pain. When you stop completely, your body brings out what it hasn't been able to do during that time. There was a moment of doubt where I wondered not just if I would return to my previous level, but if I would ever play again.
"I've proven that I have. I've returned to that consistency in my football. It's a long road, that's clear."
One of Rodri's biggest supporters at City was Pep Guardiola, with the former Blues boss often hailing the Spain international's expertise in midfield. With the Catalan coach having left City, Rodri reflected on his time working with the legendary manager.
"It's sporting. On a personal level, you also learn from someone with a very strong character, a very competitive personality," he said of Guardiola.
"Well, also from his humanity at certain times. There are arguments, joys, there are times when you agree or disagree with his decisions. Overall, he tries to bring out the best in you and for the team. He always wants what's best for the group.
"On a human level, there are times when he has known how to make distinctions. People who leave, who are no longer with us, he has known how to cherish that memory. The players who have left. Those moments speak for him. He is a special person in my career."