Rodri Refuses To Rule Out Leaving Man City For Real Madrid

Rodri has admitted he would not dismiss a future move to Real Madrid, insisting “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” as his contract situation at Manchester City gradually winds down.

The 29-year-old Spain midfielder is approaching the final year of the deal he signed after joining City from Atlético Madrid in 2019. He says talks with the Premier League champions are due but hinted that a return to Spain remains part of his long-term thinking.

“I need to sit down and talk,” Rodri said, before adding he would one day “like to come back” to Spain.

Despite his past with Atletico, the midfielder made clear he would not rule out their city rivals.

“There have been many players who’ve gone down that path,” Rodri told Spanish media.
“Not immediately, but over time. For me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”

Several high-profile players have crossed the Madrid divide, including Thibaut Courtois and Álvaro Morata, both of whom also spent time at Chelsea during their careers.

Rodri has been a very important player under Pep Guardiola. He has won 12 major trophies, including four Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League at the side.

He has featured in 18 league matches this season following his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament rupture suffered in 2024.

Asked about reported admiration from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, Rodri said: “I don’t know; they don’t talk to me directly. They’d talk to my agent.”

Rodri has been called up by Luis de la Fuente to the Spain national football team squad for friendlies against Serbia and Egypt as he pushes for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He has recorded 59 international caps and recently helped Spain to win the European and Nations League titles.