Manchester City midfielder Rodri is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world and the Spain international admits he would like to return to La Liga one day.
Rodri admits he would have a hard time turning down interest from Real Madrid after expressing his desire to return to La Liga in the future.
The 29-year-old midfielder joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and established himself as one of the most important players in Josep Guardiola’s all-conquering side, winning him the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
Rodri has less than 18 months left on his contract with the Etihad and is due for international duty later this week, opening the door to a sensational return to Spain when he was asked about his future ahead of a possible move to Los Blancos.
“I want to go back, of course I want to go back,” Rodri told Spanish radio station Onda Cerro when asked about playing in Spain again. “For me, La Liga is the starting point. I still follow La Liga, certainly not as much as before, but I still follow it.
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“And I have to admit that the Premier League is my weakness. I think the Premier League is a thrilling league but at the same time a very tough league, which means it pushes you to the limit. I have been in the Premier League for seven years and I feel time has passed, but so far I am very happy.”
“I’m currently recovering from my injury, but what I’m worried about right now is how I feel, my level, how to get back to my previous level. It’s not a contract issue, it’s something that’s very important to get to my level, especially with the World Cup coming up.”
“I’m free now. Of course, I have one year left on my contract. Obviously, there will come a time when we have to sit down and talk.”
Rodri, who previously played for Atlético, one of Real Madrid’s main rivals, has been ruled out of the possibility of a move to the Bernabéu due to his affiliation with his former club.
But Rodri was adamant that it would be difficult for any player to turn down one of the “best clubs in the world”.
He added: “No, I mean, there are a lot of players who have gone down that path, right? Not particularly directly, but over time. I mean, for me, I can’t turn down the best club in the world.”
“They have a fan base that really gives their all and for me the Bernabéu has always been a great, very impressive stadium.”
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