Rodri’s move to Barcelona has been confirmed. The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has now left Manchester City and he leaves after winning every trophy available and becoming Manchester City’s first Ballon d’Or winner. Rodri’s contribution to City’s era of dominance under Pep Guardiola has been immense. His importance to Pep Guardiola’s side was impossible to ignore. Rodri has said goodbye to Manchester City and the fans and as he bids farewell, all you can do is say thank you to Rodri for the memories and his efforts during his time at City.
Rodri has said goodbye to Manchester City and he will be a City fan for life.
Speaking with mancity.com after his move to Barcelona was confirmed, Rodri stated that he will always keep Manchester City in his heart. Rodri arrived at City from Atletico Madrid as a promising young midfielder with the tools to become an elite midfielder. By the time Rodri’s Manchester City career ended, he is a Ballon d’Or winner and cemented as one of the elite midfielders in world football. Speaking on how he feels about Manchester City, Rodri said: “It’s not like I miss [City] because I don’t feel like I’m leaving. I think I’m just moving to another club, but my heart will always be linked to the city and to the club.”
“I always try to be involved in the games, try to come and watch them and keep in touch with my ex-teammates. But of course, physically you leave. Seven years I think is the right moment to say goodbye, to write a good story.”
“I always say that the most important thing is to have the whole image, the whole movie, and say I’m proud of this.”
“Both parts, club and player, we’re proud of this and this was the reason of my decision. My heart will always be blue all my life. And they always have Rodri for anything they need.”
Despite the mannner of Rodri’s departure, he is a Manchester City legend and his contribution to City’s success is the stuff of legend.
Rodri leaves Manchester City having left an incredible legacy at the club. It took time for Rodri to adjust to life in a Pep Guardiola side. His first season was a learning experience and famously Rodri was on the bench for Manchester City’s 1-0 defeat in the UEFA Champions League final to Chelsea in 2021. In a way, you could mark that moment as when Rodri powered on to become the midfielder and leader that he became for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Rodri made 298 appearances for Manchester City. He helped Pep Guardiola’s side win 14 trophies during that time. Famously, Rodri scored the winner in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final. That moment secured City’s first Champions League triumph and also helped City claim the treble. That one moment is the perfect encapsulation of Rodri’s City career. He also became City’s first Ballon d’Or winner in 2024. Rodri’s contribution to Manchester City firmly establishes him as a City legend. When a list of Manchester City’s greatest ever players is drawn up, Rodri will have a place near the top of the list.
Final thoughts.
The manner of Rodri’s departure and how his move to Barcelona has left a sour taste in the mouths of some. It has been far from ideal. However, Rodri was a relentless midfielder, determined to win at all costs at Manchester City. In a way, the way he has left City is fitting. As Rodri leaves Manchester City to return to Spain all you can say is thank you Rodri for what he has done for City during his time at the club. He leaves a legacy of success and relentless winning and perhaps after all, the time is right for Rodri to leave City.