Rodri has signaled that he could return to Spain and play for Real Madrid, leaving the door open for one of the most talked-about potential moves in European football. The Manchester City midfielder, currently with one year left on his contract, spoke candidly about his career plans while on international duty with Spain.
The 27-year-old revealed to Spanish radio station Onda Cero that he had not originally planned to leave Spain, but the opportunity to join Manchester City in 2019 changed that trajectory. “I hadn’t planned to play outside of Spain in my career but Manchester City came up as an option in 2019, and I said yes. I have one year left on my contract at Man City. At some point we’ll have to sit down and talk,” Rodri explained.
Reflecting on his connection to LaLiga, Rodri added that a return to Spain would be appealing. “Would I like to play in Spain again? In LaLiga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes,” he said. Importantly, he addressed potential concerns about his previous ties to Atletico Madrid. “Having played for Atletico before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid. There are other players who have done that before, maybe not direct transfers, but eventually. You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.”
Rodri emphasized the prestige of playing at the Bernabeu. “It doesn’t matter if they arrive at the match in a good or bad moment, Real Madrid is always Real Madrid. The door is not closed. Playing at the Bernabeu is incredible. It’s a very intimidating place.”
The midfielder has recently been at the center of controversy, having beaten Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting, which led to Los Blancos boycotting the ceremony. Rodri clarified his stance on that moment. “I have nothing against Vini. I have maximum respect for him, for everything he did that Ballon d’Or year as well. It’s other people who decide who wins the Ballon d’Or. They tried to put us against each other, but that’s not the case.”
Rodri’s comments highlight his openness to a move back to Spain, a decision that could have major implications for both Manchester City and Real Madrid. As his contract approaches its final year, observers will be watching closely to see whether one of Europe’s top midfielders makes the switch to one of its most iconic stadiums.
