Manchester City midfielder Rodri opens door to Real Madrid transfer
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has admitted he would find it difficult to turn down a future transfer to Real Madrid as he expressed a desire to return to La Liga.
The 29-year-old joined the reigning Premier League champions from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has since established himself as a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The Spain international currently has less than 18 months remaining on his contract at Etihad Stadium.
La Liga return appeals to Spanish star
Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, the recent Ballon d’Or winner was questioned about his future and the prospect of joining Los Blancos.
Despite acknowledging his deep affection for the English top flight, the deep-lying playmaker confessed that a return to his homeland remains an attractive proposition.
“I’d like to return, 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.”
Injury recovery prioritised over contract talks
The midfield metronome described the Premier League as a thrilling but demanding environment that pushes players to their absolute limit.
The European Championship winner is currently sidelined with a long-term injury and is actively working on his rehabilitation.
He insists his immediate focus lies entirely on regaining his elite form rather than engaging in imminent contract negotiations.
“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.”
Crossing the Madrid divide
While acknowledging he has a year left on his current deal, the defensive anchor stated that formal discussions with his current employers will happen eventually.
Given his history with Atletico Madrid, a move to the Santiago Bernabeu would see him cross one of European football’s fiercest city rivalries.
However, the decorated midfielder dismissed suggestions that his past allegiance would prevent him from joining the current Champions League holders.
“There have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time.”
“I mean, for me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”
