Manchester City’s tactical lead, Pep Guardiola, has publicly addressed the future of midfield cornerstone Rodri, asserting that while he desires for the Spaniard to remain at the Etihad, he will not prevent any disgruntled athlete from seeking a transfer. This development follows comments made by the former Atletico Madrid star during the international hiatus, where he hinted at a potential move to Real Madrid, citing the difficulty of declining a call from the world’s most elite organizations.
The 29-year-old Spanish captain, whose current commitment to the Citizens expires next summer, has been a fixture in the squad since 2019, amassing 293 appearances. Acknowledging the prestige of the Spanish giants, Guardiola noted: “There is not one player that will turn [down] the chance to play for [Real] Madrid.” He further elaborated on his personal stance regarding the midfielder’s tenure, stating, “Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club because he is an incredible, top player but the life of everyone is everyone’s.”
Rodri’s recent history at the club has been a mix of individual brilliance and physical setbacks. After securing the Ballon d’Or in 2024, his subsequent season was largely erased by a severe knee injury—a period during which City experienced a rare trophy-less campaign, their first in eight years. Although hamstring complications have hampered his availability this term, he has participated in 28 matches across all competitions, playing a role in City’s recent Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal at Wembley.
Throughout his highly decorated stay in Manchester, the midfielder has collected an impressive haul of silverware, including the Champions League, the FA Cup, three League Cups, and four Premier League titles. Despite this success, Rodri previously suggested to the Spanish press that a cross-town move in Madrid is not unprecedented. “There have been many players who’ve gone down that path [playing for Atletico and Real],” he remarked. “Not immediately, but over time. For me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”
Guardiola emphasized that the midfielder has consistently demonstrated a deep connection to the club and described his impact as “massive.” However, the manager remained firm on his philosophy regarding player happiness and the club’s hierarchy. He insisted he would “absolutely” not obstruct a transfer if the player felt his time at City had concluded.
“The organisation of the club is above all of us – if one player is not happy they have to leave and [we] continue the same always if they are happy – and I think he is happy,” Guardiola explained. “If he is not happy just knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality and after that he doesn’t belong to the club – only himself. I know what the club wants. They informed me what they want from Rodri – it is to stay, stay, stay. I always had the positive [feeling] with that but at the end I don’t know.”
