Rodri made the move to Manchester City back in the summer of 2019 from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, before going on to win a staggering four consecutive Premier League titles between 2021 and 2024.
The iconic Spanish defensive midfielder also played an integral role in securing two FA Cup trophies for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, as well as the League Cup on three occasions.
Most notably however, it was Rodri who scored the winning goal in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, Turkey against Inter - the crowning moment in his 298 appearances for Manchester City, providing 28 goals and 32 assists in that period.
Now, both Barcelona and Manchester City have confirmed the transfer of Rodri to Camp Nou, after the two clubs reached an agreement over the course of the weekend worth €76.5 million.
Manchester City are set to receive an upfront fee of €60 million for the midfielder with more than €11 million of the add-ons viewed as achievable, with the Premier League side expecting to achieve at least €71.5 million for a player who had less than 12 months remaining on his final contract with the club.
Rodri has gone on to sign a four-year contract with the reigning champions of La Liga.
Speaking to the [official club website](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/rodri-leaves-manchester-city-to-join-barcelona-63922660) as part of a lengthy interview, Rodri has said, “I am leaving the Club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories. What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable.
“First, I first want to thank everyone I have worked with at City for all they have done for me and for helping me in so many amazing ways and helping become the player I am.
"I want to also say a special thank you to all my incredible teammates past and present. They helped make every single day here a total joy. It has been such a special privilege to share the dressing room and the pitch with you all.
“Lastly, I just want to pay a special tribute to the City supporters. You helped make me feel at home in Manchester from the moment I arrived and you have always been there by my side. Thank you for supporting me and the team through good times and bad. It has been a pleasure to play in front of you all. My heart will always be blue.
“These seven years have been incredible. I have cherished every moment of what we achieved together and will always carry Manchester City in my heart.”
Manchester City's director of football, Hugo Viana has offered his thoughts on Rodri's exit, telling the official club website, “Rodri has been a quite magnificent servant and played a huge part of what the Club has achieved since he arrived.
“His enormous talent, intelligence, drive, commitment and leadership has served as an example and inspiration to everyone.
"With his achievements, Rodri has more than cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career.
“And he leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club.”
Barcelona first explored a deal for Rodri in early August, with the 30-year-old indicating a preference to move to Camp Nou over any other club, with Spanish rivals Real Madrid also exploring a move after his FIFA World Cup success as Spain captain.
Rodri had entered the final 12 months of his Manchester City contract and, throughout the attempts from the Premier League side to improve and extend terms, had not shown a willingness to sign on to a new deal amid a desire to return to Spain for the final years of his top-level playing career.
A further obvious incentive for Rodri was the possibility of linking back up with several of his Spain international teammates, including Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal.
Manchester City have so far recruited in central midfield this summer by securing the services of England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a £116 million deal back in July.
The club are continuing to push to sign Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, from Lille, whilst they also hold interest in Chelsea and Argentina's Enzo Fernandez, with Enzo Maresca a particular admirer of the 25-year-old.
**This is a developing story. More to follow.**
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