Rodri hints at Manchester City exit, refuses to rule out Real Madrid move: ‘You can’t turn them down'
When asked if he would join Real Madrid, arch-rivals of his former side Atletico, Rodri said it was possible, as other players had done so in the past.
In a bold move, Rodri has opened the door to a move away from Manchester City. Speaking during international duty, the midfielder hinted that he is thinking about a future beyond the Premier League club and wants to return to Spain. He joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019. He spent most of last season sidelined due to an ACL injury, and then a hamstring issue spoiled the first half of the ongoing season.
Rodri opened the door to a possible Real Madrid move. (REUTERS)
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He has regained full match fitness, justified by his playing the full 90 minutes in nine of his last 11 league games.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, he said, "I’d like to return, yes, obviously."
"For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, it’s true not as much as before, but I still follow it."
‘The Bernabeu is always incredible’: Rodri
When asked if he would join Real Madrid, arch-rivals of his former side Atletico, he said it was possible, as other players had done so in the past.
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"No, I mean, there have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time. I mean, for me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world," he said.
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"No, I mean, there have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time. I mean, for me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world," he said.
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"They have a fanbase that really goes all out for them, and for me, the Bernabeu is always incredible, a stadium that’s very imposing."
Despite keeping the door open to an exit, he maintained that he is happy with City. "I have to admit that the Premier League is my weakness."
"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.
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"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.
"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," he added.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Sports/Football/Rodri hints at Manchester City exit, refuses to rule out Real Madrid move: ‘You can’t turn them down'
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