Manchester City midfielder Rodri has played down his previous comments about being interested in a potential move to Real Madrid.
The 29-year-old recently admitted that he would not rule out a move if the Spanish giants came calling despite coming through the youth academy at Atletico Madrid before joining City in 2019.
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Rodri’s comments also cast doubt on his future at City. The Ballon d’Or winner has one year left on his contract, meaning City have to decide whether to cash in or table a new deal this summer.
Failure to do so will allow Rodri to pen pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs in January 2027, and there’s hardly any European team that wouldn’t jump at the chance to sign him on a free transfer.
Rodri has been a vital part of City’s set-up and manager Pep Guardiola’s dominant troops since he touched down in England seven years ago.
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The Spaniard is rapidly approaching the 300-match mark and will likely hit that milestone before the end of the ongoing campaign.
He has scored 28 goals and weighed in with a further 32 assists over the years at City.
One of those goals came in the 2022/23 Champions League final against Inter Milan as his 68th-minute belter helped City claim their first triumph in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
With his contract winding down, there have been plenty of speculation about whether he will commit to the Cityzens, particularly with Guardiola tipped to leave the club this summer.
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He has been strongly linked with a move to Madrid, and his recent comments fuelled those rumours.
However, Rodri has now attempted to pour cold water on the speculation, making it clear that he’s focused on making a full recovery from a recent long-term injury.
He also fired back at recent criticisms, saying (via The Mirror), “I’m used to it. If, out of a 50-minute interview, they cut out whatever they want, in the end, I don’t have much more to say.
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“I’m a person who speaks directly. The interview is there if you want to listen to it in its entirety and not just certain snippets.
“I’d like to return (to Spain), yes, obviously. For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it. It’s true, not as much as before, but I still follow it.”
Rodri also touched on his contract situation after admitting that the Premier League is challenging despite winning four league titles with City.
“I think it’s a thrilling league. But at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit.
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“I’ve been there for seven years now, and I’m noticing the passage of time. But for the moment, I’m very happy there.
“I’m currently recovering from an injury, and what worries me right now is my feeling, my level, how to get back to my previous level.
“Not the contract issue – that will come, especially with a World Cup coming up, which is crucial for reaching my level.
“Right now I’m free. Obviously, I have a year left on my contract. There will be a point where we’ll have to sit down and talk, have a conversation.”
