Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his club will not stand in the way of Rodri’s transfer to Real Madrid if that is the player’s wish, ruling out any action against the Spanish international for his recent comments about his future.
In his last media appearance, Rodri indicated that he would not object to a move to Real Madrid if the opportunity arose, stating that his previous stint at Atlético Madrid would not be an obstacle to joining Álvaro Arbeloa’s squad should the opportunity arise.
Around the same time, Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez hinted at his desire to move to Real Madrid, prompting the English club to immediately suspend him for two matches. Guardiola insists he will not follow Liam Rosenior’s example.
The Enzo scenario will not be repeated with Rodri
It is clear that Manchester City’s policy, and Guardiola’s own, differs entirely from Chelsea’s approach to the Enzo Fernandez situation.
When asked about the situation, Guardiola commented, “What Chelsea did is Chelsea’s business,” indicating that he would not punish Rodri for his recent statements and his openness to a move to Real Madrid.
Guardiola: Manchester City will not block Rodri’s transfer to Real Madrid
Guardiola hinted that neither he personally nor the club would stand in Rodri’s way, understanding his position and his desire to move to Real Madrid if the opportunity arose. He said, “No player would refuse the chance to play for Madrid, especially since he was born in Spain.”
Pep continued, “My wish has always been for Rodri to stay at this club for as long as possible because he is an amazing, top-class player, but everyone’s life is their own.”
He added, “The club’s interests come before all of us. If a player is unhappy, he should leave. Things always continue as they are if they are happy, and I think he is happy here.”
Guardiola: Rodri is happy at Manchester City
Guardiola stated that if Rodri wants to leave, all he needs to do is inform Manchester City, and the club will not object. He added that his information confirms the player is happy at the Etihad Stadium.
The Catalan coach continued, “If he isn’t happy, he simply needs to approach the sporting director and accept an offer that reflects his incredible quality. After that, he will no longer belong to the club, but only to himself.”
He went on to say, “I know what the club wants. They have told me what they want from Rodri, and that is: to stay, stay, and stay.”
He concluded, “I think Rodri wants to stay. I’ve always had a positive feeling about that, but ultimately, you never know.”
Rodri enters the final year of his contract with Manchester City
Rodri is set to enter the final year of his contract with City next summer, with his current deal expiring in 2027.
Manchester City remains determined to keep the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner for as long as possible, and discussions have already begun in recent days.
Real Madrid is monitoring the situation, hoping Rodri will refuse to renew his contract. The Spanish giants would then make a relatively low offer to sign the player, taking advantage of his current situation at City.
It is reported that the English club plans to reject any offer that is not substantial enough to buy Rodri, even if it means losing him for free in the summer of 2027.
