Rodri has returned to Manchester City. Spain’s World Cup-winning captain has completed his holidays after leading his country to their second World Cup triumph. Rodri also underwent minor back surgery after the World Cup ended. While Rodri has returned to City, the biggest question seems to be for how long considering that Barcelona are pushing to sign Manchester City’s midfield general.
Enzo Maresca was happy to see Rodri back at Manchester City but he knows that anything can happen before the transfer window closes.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference yesterday, ahead of Manchester City’s FA Community Shield clash with Arsenal, Enzo Maresca revealed that Rodri returned to Manchester City yesterday. Maresca revealed that he was happy to see Rodri. However he admitted that anything could happen in the remainder of the transfer window given how heavily linked Rodri is to a move to Barcelona. Maresca explained: “First of all, the transfer window is open. We can buy players, we can sell players, anything can happen.”
“I just saw Rodri now in the building, I gave him a big hug. He looks good, so we’ll see what happens. Now we will have time to see each other a little bit more.“
There was no doubt that Rodri would return to Manchester City after his holidays. That was never in question. Rodri isn’t the type of character to go ‘on strike’ to force a move back to Spain. He will remain professional while the uncertainty around his future continues to swirl. However, it remains to be seen just how long Rodri will be back at City for.
It has also been revealed that it is unlikely that Rodri will train with his City teammates which does indicate that he will be off sooner rather than later.
The Daily Mail’s Manchester City reporter, Jack Gaughan, joined Esteemed Kompany host Steven McInerney on the City Social podcast yesterday. Gaughan revealed that he doesn’t believe that Rodri will train with his Manchester City teammates. Jack Gaughan added that he is expecting Rodri to complete his move to Barcelona. Gaughan explained: “I don’t think Rodri will train next week. I think things will be resolved with Barcelona.”
Rodri is back at Manchester City. That news in itself isn’t a major surprise. However, you do wonder how long it will be before Rodri signs for Barcelona. It is up to Barcelona to agree to Manchester City’s terms to sign Rodri. Provided that Barcelona do that, it would appear that Rodri’s return to the Etihad will be brief.