Rodri begins new chapter after £65m Barcelona move
Rodri has completed his move from Manchester City to Barcelona, bringing an end to a seven-year spell in England and beginning a new chapter in Spanish football.
The 30-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year contract with Barcelona after the Catalan club agreed a deal worth around £65m for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
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Rodri excited by Barcelona challenge
Speaking after completing the transfer, Rodri said he was looking forward to rediscovering the motivation that comes with a fresh challenge.
“I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career. It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again,” he said.
Rodri also welcomed the opportunity to work with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, saying the German’s approach could help him develop further.
“I’m happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It’s a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player,” he added.
The Spain international returns to his home country for the first time since leaving Atletico Madrid for City in 2019. He made 298 appearances for the Premier League club and won 12 major trophies, including four league titles and the Champions League.
City farewell as midfielder looks ahead
Rodri’s final two seasons in Manchester were affected by injuries, but he returned to top form at this summer’s World Cup, where he was named player of the tournament as Spain lifted the trophy.
In his farewell message to City supporters, Rodri reflected on the impact his time in England had on his life beyond football.
“I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories,” he said.
“City didn’t just make me grow as a player. They made me grow as a human.”
Rodri was entering the final year of his City contract before the transfer was agreed. Barcelona initially saw a £38.5m offer rejected, while Real Madrid had also been linked with the midfielder before ending their interest.
His departure adds to a major period of change at City, following Pep Guardiola’s exit and several other squad departures.