Manchester City midfielder Rodri has acknowledged speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, but has stated his current focus remains on leading the Spanish national team. The 27-year-old did not dismiss the rumours outright, but indicated he is not dwelling on them during international duty. He made these comments while speaking to reporters ahead of Spain’s upcoming fixtures.
Rodri has been a key figure for City since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2019, becoming a vital component in Pep Guardiola’s midfield. Last season, he scored the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, cementing his place in the club’s history. His performances have consistently drawn praise, and his absence is keenly felt when he is unavailable.
According to reports in Italian media, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is an admirer of Rodri and could make a move for the player in a future transfer window. The Spanish giants are continually looking to refresh their squad with top talent, and a player of Rodri’s quality would undoubtedly be a valuable addition. However, the player himself has remained non-committal regarding a potential transfer.
Rodri also discussed his physical condition ahead of the World Cup, stating he arrives feeling fresh after a good personal season, despite his team not achieving all their objectives. He noted he has less match fatigue than he did in 2024, but also acknowledged a slight decrease in his overall rhythm. He emphasized the importance of taking each game as it comes during the tournament, dismissing the notion of Spain being outright favourites despite widespread expectations.
Spain are among the teams widely tipped to contend for the World Cup title, but Rodri cautioned against complacency, stating that favouritism must be earned on the pitch. He expressed his team’s excitement and positive health ahead of the tournament, emphasizing the need to build momentum game by game. A move to Real Madrid would likely represent a significant career step for Rodri, but for now, his priority is clear: success with Spain.
