Rodri has officially begun his journey as a Barcelona player, confirming that the Catalan club was always his primary choice despite competing interest from other major European sides, including Real Madrid.
Barcelona finalized the transfer with Manchester City for a guaranteed fee of €60 million plus €10 million in performance-based add-ons, tying the Spanish midfielder to a four-year contract through June 2030. Wearing the Blaugrana shirt for the first time, Rodri delivered his first official statements following the completion of the transfer.
“I am extremely happy to be part of FC Barcelona,” Rodri said. “It is a new stage in my career, a new passion, and a way to feel excited and driven again.”
Addressing the interest from Real Madrid during the transfer window, the 30-year-old midfielder stressed that sporting ambitions determined his decision: “Every choice in my career has been guided by the sporting project, and this transfer was made for the exact same reason. I had other options, but Barcelona was my absolute first choice, and I made that clear to all parties involved.”
Rodri also highlighted his enthusiasm for working under manager Hansi Flick: “Hansi Flick’s playing style appeals to me tremendously. He is very engaging, and I am glad to have a manager who I believe will add a great deal to my development.”
Reflecting on Barcelona’s legacy in midfield, Rodri paid homage to club icon Sergio Busquets: “Busquets was always a huge role model for me. It is a immense privilege to even be compared to him.”
Setting his sights on silverware, Rodri emphasized European success: “Returning to La Liga means a lot to me, but above all, I am looking toward major goals like the UEFA Champions League. I have joined a highly ambitious club that perfectly matches my mindset, and I will do everything I can to help achieve our objectives this season.”
