Rodri has said Pep Guardiola’s contract extension is “an important incentive” for him to continue at Manchester City but left the door open for a transfer to Real Madrid by calling their reported interest “an honour.”
Rodri, who tore his right ACL in September, celebrated the news that Guardiola signed a two-year deal to remain at the Etihad stadium through June 2027.
When asked about his future, Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, said: “My focus is on my recovery. I have two years left on my contract, the time is approaching to sit down and speak again. It’s clear that it [Guardiola’s contract extension] is an important incentive. I feel very valued at the club. For the time being I’m very happy.”
Rodri, who joined City in the summer of 2019 from Atletico Madrid, in fact, does not rule out ending his playing career at the Etihad even if he is a target of Real Madrid next summer.
Asked if he would consider joining Madrid, Rodri said: “Obviously when Madrid, the best and most successful club in history, calls you, it is an honour. You always have to pay attention. But obviously of course not. I don’t look too far ahead but it’s a possibility that I could perfectly end my career in England.
Rodri, who was voted the best player at Euro 2024 after leading Spain to the title, is aiming to return before the end of the season.
“Right now I’m not thinking about football, about winning,” he said. “I’m just thinking about giving myself a chance to recover to regain the level I had before.
Asked if he could return to play in March or April, Rodri said: “Yes. From a mental standpoint, my aim is to play this season. Each year, the seasons are longer. I don’t know how much I will be able to contribute but having the Nations League and the Club World Cup in June and July, I think I will be able to do so.”
City have struggled without Rodri.
The club are second in the Premier League, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool, and are 10th in the Champions League group standings.
“It’s clear that we are going through a negative spell,” Rodri said. “It’s not the first time. If there’s a team that has shown that it can bounce back it’s our team. I have no doubt that we will come out of this. We have a strong team. I’m eager to return in order to give the team encouragement.”
Credit : www.espn.co.uk
