Ballon d’Or Winner Rodri Hurts Man City Fans With Real Madrid Transfer Comment

Rodri has said Pep Guardiola‘s contract extension is “an important incentive” for him to continue at Manchester City but left the door open for a transfer to Real Madrid by calling their reported interest “an honour.”

Rodri, who tore his right ACL in September, celebrated the news that Guardiola signed a two-year deal to remain at the Etihad stadium through June 2027.

“It is a joy that Pep has decided to continue,” Rodri, 28, told Cadena Ser radio in Spain. “It’s clear that he has been the most influential coach of my career. It’s a joy for the club and for the Citizens for him to continue for at least two more years. When I signed there [with City in 2019], they told me that Pep would only stay for one or two years…”

When asked about his future, Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, said: “My focus is on my recovery. I have two years left on my contract, the time is approaching to sit down and speak again. It’s clear that it [Guardiola’s contract extension] is an important incentive. I feel very valued at the club. For the time being I’m very happy.”

Rodri, who joined City in the summer of 2019 from Atletico Madrid, in fact, does not rule out ending his playing career at the Etihad even if he is a target of Real Madrid next summer.

Asked if he would consider joining Madrid, Rodri said: “Obviously when Madrid, the best and most successful club in history, calls you, it is an honour. You always have to pay attention. But obviously of course not. I don’t look too far ahead but it’s a possibility that I could perfectly end my career in England.

“It’s a country that has given me everything, I have fallen in love with football there. The club is spectacular, not just from a sporting level but how it’s structured. I feel comfortable and loved there. But Spain is my country. I am always aware of the League, the level of the teams is growing more and more. I’ve been lucky to play in both leagues, to have the best coaches in the world and I feel very satisfied.”

Rodri, who was voted the best player at Euro 2024 after leading Spain to the title, is aiming to return before the end of the season.

“Right now I’m not thinking about football, about winning,” he said. “I’m just thinking about giving myself a chance to recover to regain the level I had before.

Asked if he could return to play in March or April, Rodri said: “Yes. From a mental standpoint, my aim is to play this season. Each year, the seasons are longer. I don’t know how much I will be able to contribute but having the Nations League and the Club World Cup in June and July, I think I will be able to do so.”

The club are second in the Premier League, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool, and are 10th in the Champions League group standings.

“It’s clear that we are going through a negative spell,” Rodri said. “It’s not the first time. If there’s a team that has shown that it can bounce back it’s our team. I have no doubt that we will come out of this. We have a strong team. I’m eager to return in order to give the team encouragement.”