Rodri completes Barcelona switch, keen to ‘feel that excitement again’

FILE PHOTO - Spain's Rodri kisses the FIFA World Cup Trophy following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at New York-New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium). (is associated with: «Rodri completes Barcelona switch, keen to ‘feel that excitement again’») Tom Weller/dpa Rodri says he wants to "feel that excitement again" after completing his £65.4-million ($88.5 million) move to Barcelona from Manchester City. The midfielder, who was named player of the tournament as he captained Spain to World Cup glory, put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the Catalan giants on Tuesday. "I'm very happy and excited about this new stage in my career," the 30-year-old said. "It's a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again. "I'm here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League. I've come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I'll try to help in every way I can." Rodri, who joined from Atletico Madrid in July 2019 when City paid a then club-record £62.6 million, had entered into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. Barcelona saw an initial £40 million offer and an increased bid turned down before an agreement was struck on Sunday, despite new City boss Enzo Maresca admitting he wanted to keep the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. Rodri helped City win four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and three Carabao Cups, while he scored the only goal when they edged out Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final. However, an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 2024-25 season and hamstring and groin problems in the 2025-26 season - Pep Guardiola's last at the club - have restricted his involvement. Having decided to return to his homeland, he links up with several familiar faces as Spain team-mates Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia are at Barcelona. "I'm joining a dressing room that I know perfectly well, so that will help me settle in. What I'm worried about are the jokes in the first few days," a smiling Rodri added. Rodri flew to Barcelona's El Prat airport on Monday ahead of the deal being finalised following a medical and told reporters: "Playing for Barcelona is a dream come true for me." In a statement, Barcelona said Rodri is "considered one of the best players in the world in his position", adding he "stands out for his tactical intelligence, composure on the ball, ability to regain possession and precision in his passing". In a message to City fans on the club's official website, Rodri wrote: "I found that saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things in life, but I am going to try. "I knew I came into a top team, but I never thought we could be able to create the legacy we made winning trophies, fans around the world, love and respect. "We made an example to inspire the next generations not only because the success, also because the way we did it. And the fans were with us every step of the way. "City didn't just make me grow as a player. They made me grow as a human. I saw my brother graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS. "Manchester shaped my whole life. It's time to say goodbye, thanks to the club, the fans, the staff and my team-mates. This journey couldn't be the same without you, my heart will always be blue." City have already seen club captain and Rodri's fellow midfielder Bernardo Silva walk out the door this summer after joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, while they have agreed a deal to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. However, Elliot Anderson has joined from Nottingham Forest for £116 million and City have also been linked with Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez.