Rodri Opens Door to Real Madrid Move, Cites Premier League Demands
Rodri, the influential midfielder for Manchester City, has recently cast a speculative shadow over his future at the Etihad Stadium, openly discussing the possibility of a move back to Spain and even hinting at a preference for Real Madrid. The 29-year-old, who was instrumental in Manchester City’s 2023 Ballon d’Or triumph, has been steadily regaining his peak form after a challenging period plagued by injuries. He spent a significant portion of the previous campaign sidelined with an ACL injury, followed by a hamstring issue that hampered the initial stages of the 2025/26 season.
In a clear sign of his full recovery, Rodri has featured for the entire 90 minutes in nine of Manchester City’s last eleven Premier League fixtures. This resurgence in match fitness comes at a crucial time for the Sky Blues, who are currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by nine points, albeit with a game in hand, and are in a fierce battle for the title.
However, speaking during his international duty with the Spanish national team, Rodri revealed that his thoughts are extending beyond his current contract with Manchester City. He expressed a keen interest in potentially returning to the Spanish capital, a city he knows well from his previous stint with Atlético Madrid before his 2019 move to England.
“I’d like to return, yes, obviously,” Rodri candidly told Spanish radio station Onda Cero when questioned about the prospect of playing in his homeland again. “For me, LaLiga is where I started. I still follow it, it’s true not as much as before, but I still follow it.”
Rodri was a key player in Manchester City’s recent Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal. This triumph, however, was overshadowed by their disappointing exit from the Champions League just five days prior, where they suffered a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate defeat at the hands of Real Madrid.
When pressed on the specific possibility of a transfer to Real Madrid – the arch-rivals of his former club Atlético – Rodri pointed to the historical precedent of players crossing this significant divide. He cited examples such as Thibaut Courtois and Marcos Llorente, who have both made the move between the Madrid clubs.
“No, I mean, there have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time,” Rodri elaborated. “I mean, for me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world. They have a fanbase that really goes all out for them, and for me, the Bernabéu is always incredible, a stadium that’s very imposing.”
Premier League Demands and Future Considerations
Rodri, whose current contract with Manchester City is set to expire in the summer of 2027, also voiced concerns about the sheer intensity of the Premier League. He suggested that the relentless demands of English football may not be conducive to his long-term well-being, particularly given his recent injury history.
“I have to admit that the Premier League is my weakness,” Rodri confessed, acknowledging that he will be turning 30 in June. “I think it’s a thrilling league but at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit. 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.”
He further elaborated on his current priorities: “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.”
Addressing his contract situation directly, Rodri stated: “Right now I’m free, well, obviously I have a year left on my contract, obviously there will be a point where we’ll have to sit down and talk, have a conversation.”
Rodri’s reflections highlight a complex interplay of factors influencing his future: a potential yearning for a return to familiar surroundings in Spain, admiration for the stature of clubs like Real Madrid, and a pragmatic assessment of the physical toll exacted by the Premier League. While his immediate focus remains on regaining full fitness and contributing to Manchester City’s ongoing campaigns, these candid remarks suggest that his long-term career trajectory may well involve a significant shift back to his roots. The coming months will undoubtedly see increased speculation and discussions regarding his next move, as both Manchester City and interested parties weigh the implications of his statements.
