Rodri said Pep Guardiola's contract extension was “a major incentive” for him to stay at Manchester City, but left the door open for a transfer to Real Madrid by describing their reported interest as “an honour”.
Rodri, who tore his right cruciate ligament in September, was delighted with the news that Guardiola had signed a two-year deal to stay at the Etihad Stadium until June 2027.
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“It's a joy that Pep has decided to move on,” Rodri, 28, told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. “It is clear that he was the most influential coach of my career. It is a joy for the club and the Citizens that he will continue for at least two more years. When I signed there.” [with City in 2019]they told me that Pep would only stay for a year or two…”
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 and the time is approaching for me to sit down and talk again. It is clear that it is so.” [Guardiola’s contract extension] is an important incentive. I feel very valued in the club. At the moment I am very satisfied.
In fact, Rodri, who moved to City from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019, is not ruling out ending his playing career at the Etihad, although he is a target for Real Madrid next summer.
Asked if he would consider moving to Madrid, Rodri said: “If Madrid, the best and most successful club in history, calls you, of course it is an honour. You always have to be careful. But of course not. I'm not doing that.” I'm looking too far into the future, but there's a chance I could finish my career perfectly in England.
“It is a country that gave me everything, I fell in love with football there. The club is spectacular, not only on a sporting level, but also in its structure. I feel comfortable there and am loved. But Spain is my country. That's me.” I'm always aware of the league, the level of the teams is increasing more and more. I was lucky enough to play in both leagues, to have the best coaches in the world and I'm very happy.
Rodri has been a key player for Manchester City since joining in 2019. Michael Regan/Getty Images
Rodri, who was voted best player at Euro 2024 after leading Spain to the title, is aiming to return before the end of the season.
“At the moment I’m not thinking about football, not about winning,” he said. “I'm just thinking about giving myself a chance to recover to get back to the level I was before.
Asked if he would be able to play again in March or April, Rodri said: “Yes. Mentally speaking, my goal is to play this season. Every year the seasons get longer. I don't know how much I'll be able to do. “I can contribute, but with the Nations League and the Club World Cup taking place in June and July, I think I'll be able to do that.”
City struggled without Rodri.
The club is second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool, and sits 10th in the Champions League group standings.
“It is clear that we are going through a negative phase,” said Rodri. “It's not the first time. If there is a team that has shown that it can get back on its feet, it is ours. Give the team courage.”
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