Manchester City midfielder Rodri has sparked significant transfer speculation after openly discussing the possibility of playing for Real Madrid and returning to La Liga, in a revealing interview with Onda Cero.
The Spanish international did not shy away from addressing links to Madrid, making it clear that a move—despite his Atlético Madrid past—would not be out of the question.
“Having played for Atlético de Madrid doesn’t prevent me from playing for Real Madrid; there are other players who have
gone that way. Not directly, but eventually. You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world ,”
Open to a Return to Spain
Rodri also admitted that a return to Spain is something he actively desires.
“Would I like to play in Spain again, and in LaLiga in Madrid? I would like to return, yes. Obviously.”
Rodri also spoke about his contractual situation which could soon become a talking point, hinting at potential developments in the near future.
“I have one year left on my contract, there will come a point where we will have to sit down and talk.”
With just a year remaining, Manchester City may soon face a critical decision: extend his deal or risk entering a vulnerable negotiating position.
When asked directly about reported interest from Real Madrid’s hierarchy, Rodri remained measured but did not dismiss the idea.
“Have I ever heard that the president and the general manager of Real Madrid like Rodrigo Hernández? I don’t know… besides, they don’t talk to me. They talk to my agent,”
Rodri also addressed narratives surrounding the Ballon d’Or and comparisons with Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr., dismissing any sense of rivalry.
“The Ballon D’or? I think they wanted to pit Vinicius and me against each other… I have great respect for him, for everything he did that year… in the end, it’s other people, third parties, who decide who wins the Ballon d’Or.”
