Rodri has joined Barcelona on a four-year contract in a deal worth £65million, and the midfielder has managed to take a swipe at Arsenal while saying goodbye to Manchester City
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 18: FC Barcelona Unveil New Signing Rodri at Spotify Camp Nou on August 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Rodri has been unveiled at Barcelona(Image: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
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Rodri fired a parting shot at Arsenal in his emotional goodbye letter to Manchester City. The 30-year-old has joined Barcelona for £65million, signing a four-year contract with the La Liga giants.
His move was confirmed on Tuesday, having snubbed interest from Real Madrid to sign for Barca and return to Spain after seven trophy-laden seasons at the Etihad. Rodri was instrumental in City's success, particularly during Premier League title races in which they went-to-head with Arsenal.
Under Pep Guardiola, City twice pipped the Gunners to the title before Mikel Arteta's side finally got their hands on the trophy in May. But Rodri didn't mention any of those battles, instead bringing up his stoppage-time goal that gave City a controversial 2-1 victory at the Emirates in 2022.
The midfielder said: "Many incredible moments come to my mind. My first trophy at City, in my first game. The last minute winners, like Arsenal away. Scoring in the (Aston) Villa game to reach the Premier League, when it looked so tough.
"Scoring the goal to win the Champions League that we all wanted so much. The incredible reception you gave me after the Ballon d'Or.
"You cannot imagine how proud I am to be the first player to win this award in a sky blue shirt. Making history, with the Treble, with Four in a Row. We saw things they'll never see."
Rodri is no stranger to making a dig towards Arsenal. After City's title win in 2024, he suggested that the Gunners had a 'mentality' problem.
Although Rodri will no longer be fighting with Arsenal domestically, he could face them in the Champions League with Barcelona. His arrival puts Hansi Flick and Co. among the favourites to win the competition, having done so with City in 2023 as part of their famous treble.
Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Rodri (R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 1, 2022. Manchester City won the match 2-1. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
Rodri's stoppage-time winner saw Manchester City beat Arsenal in 2022(Image: Adrian DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
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He's also fresh off being the lynchpin for Spain in their World Cup triumph. "I am so happy to be here. It's a really special day, a new, important chapter in my career," Rodri said at his unveiling.
"It was a tough decision. Firstly because I was leaving City, who gave me everything. I was really happy there and will always be grateful. I appreciate how they facilitated my exit.
"Barcelona has always been a reference for me because of the values and the playing style here. It's true I had another offer, but Barca was the first option and I told the board here that."