Maresca says Rodri’s situation is “just about speculation at the moment” ahead of his first season
The new Man City boss confirmed Rodri had surgery a few weeks ago & that “everything was fine”
Rodri is believed to be keen on joining forces with Bernardo Silva at Real Madrid this summer
Enzo Maresca has moved to downplay speculation surrounding Rodri’s future at Manchester City, confirming the Spain international’s surgery went well while insisting no focused contract conversations have yet taken place.
The 30-year-old Ballon d’Or holder has been the subject of significant transfer interest throughout the summer, with Real Madrid conveying their desire to sign the midfielder and reports from France suggesting PSG have also made contact with the club to understand the conditions around a potential move.
Maresca addressed Rodri’s situation in a press conference ahead of Manchester City’s pre-season opener against Inter Milan in Hong Kong, striking a deliberately calm and grounded tone – framing the absence of any specific contract discussions as entirely logical given the circumstances of the player’s summer.
Manchester City issue club statement on Rodri
Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery this week, Manchester City have confirmed in a club statement on Tuesday. The Spain international remains at the centre of widespread media reports concerning his future at the Etihad Stadium, with Real Madrid believed to be optimistic about their chances of signing the Ballon d’Or winning midfielder this … Continue reading Manchester City issue club statement on Rodri
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Speaking in the days leading to a narrow penalty shootout defeat to Inter in his first game as Manchester City manager, Maresca was quizzed on Rodri’s future amid interest from Real Madrid.
“It’s just about speculation at the moment,” said Maresca. “Rodri had the surgery last Monday; everything was fine. Now, some days off and he’ll be back with us when he finishes his holiday.”
On the subject of any contract conversations held with director of football Hugo Viana over Rodri’s future, Maresca added: “As I said, the main focus for him when the season finished was the FIFA World Cup. Now, he is enjoying some rest after that and we didn’t have any conversations just focused on Rodri.”
Maresca was then asked how important it is for him to retain a player of Rodri’s calibre into hs debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian said: “It’s very important. I said in the first press conference that any manager in the world wants Rodri because he’s a top player.
“It’s important for me, the club and for everyone. But now, he needs his holiday – that’s very important when we start to play every three days.”
Manchester City and Maresca want to keep hold of Rodri, who is under contract at the club till next summer. However, Rodri is understood to be keen on a new challenge.
The Legacy of a Legend: How Rodri built the greatest dynasty in Manchester City history
Only two Ballon d’Or winners have ever played for Manchester City – one of those was a 34-year-old George Weah, who featured in just nine games for the club as his footballing career wound down. 25 players made first-team appearances in the Blues’ famous treble-winning 2022/23 season. Only one of those scored the winner and … Continue reading The Legacy of a Legend: How Rodri built the greatest dynasty in Manchester City history
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City paused contract renewal talks with the recently-crowned FIFA World Cup champion earlier in the summer, with Viana and Maresca expected to make a strong case to the Spain international when he reports back in Manchester from holiday.
Real Madrid are yet to make a formal offer for Rodri and Maresca is well within his right to be planning for the new season with the understanding, at present, that the midfielder is going nowhere anytime soon.
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