Rodri is the subject of transfer interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca was asked to give an update on the midfielder's situation ahead of the friendly against Inter Milan.
Rodri is the subject of interest from Real Madrid
Rodri is the subject of interest from Real Madrid
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Enzo Maresca stressed the importance for Manchester City to keep Rodri this season as he said that talk of a move to Real Madrid "remains speculation". The Spaniard underwent back surgery this week but is expected back in Manchester next month despite Real's attempt to sign him.
Rodri's contract at the Etihad is up at the end of the 2026/27 season and attempts to tie him down to a new deal have so far been unsuccessful. The midfielder said he would have an update on his future after the World Cup, but is yet to give one.
However, Real have stepped up their efforts to sign him with new boss Jose Mourinho hoping to reunite him with Bernardo Silva at the Bernabeu. Any bid could depend on Real selling Aurelien Tchouameni, and City have the power to reject any offer that comes their way.
Asked for the latest on Rodri's situation, Maresca underlined that he remains a key player for City's plans this season.
"It’s very important. I said in the first press conference that any manager in the world wants Rodri, so it’s important for me, for the club and for everyone but now he needs a holiday. He’s very important when we need to play every three days," he said.
"The main focus for him when the season finished was the World Cup. Now he enjoys some rest after that and we didn’t have any conversation just focused on Rodri [with sporting director Hugo Viana].
"It’s just speculation in this moment. Rodri had surgery last Monday, everything was fine. Now some days off and then back with us when he has finished the holiday."