Rodri to Address Manchester City Future Following World Cup

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has announced that he will defer any decisions regarding his long-term stay at the club until after the World Cup concludes. This statement comes amidst persistent speculation linking the Spanish international with a move to Real Madrid.

Currently, Rodri has one year remaining on his existing contract with City. The 29-year-old has previously expressed an interest in eventually returning to play in Spain. His potential availability has drawn attention from Real Madrid, specifically from presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, who is challenging current president Florentino Perez in the election taking place this weekend. Riquelme has identified Rodri as a desirable target should he win the vote.

Addressing the media during a press conference, Rodri emphasized his professional duties. "With a World Cup ahead, my responsibility is to stay focused," he stated. "Anything related to my future will wait until after the World Cup."

Rodri has been instrumental in City’s recent triumphs since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019, contributing to four Premier League titles and a single Champions League victory. Although he was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, his recent form has been hampered by injury, particularly following a cruciate ligament tear sustained in September 2024.

Despite the swirling rumors, Rodri remains undeterred. He remarked that he does not "give too much importance" to speculation, noting that such talk is "part of the job." He added, "When a player is approaching the final stage of his contract, it's normal for names to be mentioned. I'm very calm, I know exactly where I stand, and I'll tell you that perhaps if there hadn't been a World Cup, things might be different now."

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-01 17:04:09 UTC