Manchester City midfielder Rodri has signaled openness to a potential transfer to Real Madrid as he approaches the last year of his contract with the Premier League champions. The 29-year-old, originally from Madrid, acknowledged the appeal of returning to LaLiga and playing for one of the world’s elite clubs.
Rodri began his professional career at Villarreal before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2018. A year later, he joined Manchester City, where he has enjoyed a highly successful period, securing the Champions League once and four Premier League titles among numerous other trophies.
Speaking ahead of Spain’s friendly against Serbia on Friday, Rodri stated, “Would I like to play in Spain again, in LaLiga, in Madrid? I’d like to return, yes, obviously.” He added that with one year remaining on his contract, discussions about his future will inevitably take place.
Currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in 2024, Rodri emphasized that his past affiliation with Atletico Madrid would not hinder a move to their city rivals Real Madrid. He pointed out that other players, such as Thibaut Courtois and Alvaro Morata, have made similar transitions over time. “You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world,” he remarked.
Rodri also addressed speculation about a rivalry with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., especially following Real’s boycott of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony where Rodri won the award ahead of the Brazilian winger. He dismissed any personal conflict, expressing respect for Vinicius and his achievements. “I think they wanted to pit Vinicius and me against each other, but not at all,” Rodri said. “In the end, it’s other people – third parties – who decide who wins the Ballon d’Or.”
