Rodri officially opens the door to joining Real Madrid

As his contract with Manchester City approaches its last year, Rodri openly voiced his wish to return to La Liga and affirmed his readiness to move to Real Madrid should an offer come.

During a press conference on March 26, 2026, while gathered with the national team, Rodri left Manchester City fans feeling uneasy when he candidly discussed his future. Despite seven brilliant years at Etihad with 11 major trophies, the 29-year-old midfielder admitted the allure of his Spanish homeland is immense.

“I want to return, of course. For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow this league closely,” Rodri shared with Onda Cero. He also acknowledged that while the Premier League is thrilling and demanding, he has begun to feel the passage of time after over half a decade competing in England.

One of the most notable highlights was Rodri's attitude toward Real Madrid —the rival of his former club Atletico Madrid. When asked if his past at Atletico would prevent him from moving to the Bernabeu, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner stated:

“No. I mean, many players have taken that path, right? You cannot turn down the world's best clubs. They have passionate fans and the Bernabeu is always a magnificent venue.”

This statement is seen as the most direct "declaration of interest" Rodri has ever made toward the club of President Florentino Perez, especially as Real Madrid seeks a true midfield "master" after the era of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Rodri's current contract with the Blues expires in the summer of 2027. However, he will have only one year left when this season ends. The lack of a renewal agreement, coupled with the possibility that manager Pep Guardiola could leave the club at the end of the season, puts Manchester City in a difficult position.

Rodri said his current priority is to regain peak form after a ligament injury to prepare for the World Cup, but also affirmed: “Currently I am free, I have one year left on my contract, and surely there will come a time when we must sit down and talk.”

If they cannot persuade Rodri to sign a new contract during the summer 2026 transfer window, Manchester City will be forced to consider selling him to avoid the risk of losing one of the world's best midfielders for free next year.