Rodri has shed some light on his emotional departure from Manchester City, admitting he always believed he would end his career at the Etihad Stadium before a “change of cycle” convinced him to join Barcelona.
Manchester City have recruited Ayyoub Bouaddi as a potential long-term replacement for Rodri.
More Videos
Rodri’s exit was one of the defining stories of Manchester City’s summer, with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner ending his seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium to complete a £65.4 million move to Barcelona.
It was a switch few saw coming, given the Spaniard’s status as the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side and the general lack of noise about his possible departure in the months leading up to the transfer window.
Initially joining the club in 2019 as the heir apparent to Fernandinho, Rodri was widely considered one of the best players in the world by the time he swapped the Premier League for Spanish shores.
The midfielder has wasted little time settling in Catalonia, helping Hansi Flick’s Barcelona enjoy a perfect start to the season. Now, in a wide-ranging interview, he has reflected candidly on the emotional decision to walk away from the club where he achieved so much.
Rodri: I always thought I would end my career at City
Speaking to Spanish outlet La Vanguardia, Rodri admitted that leaving Manchester City had never been part of his plan.
“I always thought I would end my career there, because it’s where they gave me everything. I was happy and I shared what I believe was one of the best generations in the history of English football, with the manager we had,” Rodri said, in reference to Guardiola.
“I never thought about leaving. But it’s true that there was a change of cycle. And after the World Cup, I reflected on it and reached the conclusion that perhaps another experience was better. Barça was my choice.”
Manchester City have confirmed the departure of legendary defensive midfielder Rodri for FC Barcelona after a stellar seven-season stay at the Etihad Stadium.cityxtra.co.ukRodri Leaves Manchester City For FC Barcelona After Seven Seasons
Manchester City have confirmed the departure of legendary defensive midfielder Rodri for FC Barcelona after a stellar seven-season stay at the Etihad Stadium.
He also confirmed that Real Madrid were among the clubs interested in his signature before he ultimately chose the club that - fittingly - made Guardiola a legend in a very similar position to Rodri himself.
“For me, the difficult decision was understanding that my time in Manchester had ended. That was complicated,” he explained. “And the decision to come to a club like Barcelona was never difficult, with everything it represents, with what attracted me in a footballing sense. Saying no to other great clubs like Real Madrid isn’t easy, but I was clear about it.”
A Champions League reunion awaits
Rodri’s new adventure could bring him face to face with his old employers sooner than expected. Manchester City were drawn to meet Barcelona in the Champions League league phase this season, setting up what promises to be an emotional reunion with a player who gave so much during his time in Manchester - and who admits winning that very trophy remains Barcelona’s great ambition. Both clubs are among the favourites to lift the title come the end of the season.
He could come up against three midfielders whom he never shared a pitch with for City, with Enzo Maresca having overseen a comprehensive midfield rebuild featuring the arrivals of Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez.
Replacing a player of Rodri’s influence was always going to be a tall order, but Anderson and Fernandez in particular have impressed as City, too, have enjoyed maximum points from their season so far.
Whether Manchester City ultimately come to regret sanctioning his sale remains to be seen - and a positive result for Rodri when their reunion in Europe comes would only serve to sharpen the debate.