Enzo Maresca has paid tribute to Rodri following the midfielder’s Manchester City exit, describing the Spain international as a player any manager would want in their squad.
Rodri completed a £65.4 million transfer to Barcelona on Tuesday, bringing an end to his spell at the Etihad Stadium.
The 30-year-old leaves City after establishing himself as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation and playing a major role in the club’s historic success.
Maresca knows Rodri particularly well. The City boss worked alongside the midfielder during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, including during the campaign in which City completed their famous treble.
Now, with Rodri beginning a new chapter in Spain, Maresca has acknowledged the significance of his departure.
“Rodri is a top player.
“Any club or manager wants to work with Rodri. The reason why is that he is a top player.
“There is no way to continue and it is normal that the player takes a different decision, a different way or path. It is a moment of change. Rodri, Bernardo [Silva], John [Stones], [Nathan] Ake. We will see what happens in the [transfer] window.
“Very happy to start this journey.
“All the fans, the club, they are all thankful to Rodri. But I also think it is a win-win.
“The club will be thankful to Rodri and Rodri has to be thankful to the club and the fans. Win for win!”
While Maresca’s comments reflect the respect surrounding Rodri, City cannot afford to dwell on his departure.
The club have already begun looking at potential replacements, with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi emerging as a reported target.
Replacing Rodri, however, will be no simple task.His ability to control the tempo, protect the defence and influence games from deep made him central to City’s tactical identity.
His departure therefore creates both a significant hole in midfield and an opportunity for Maresca to reshape the team.
The City boss could also face further changes before the transfer window closes, with Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake among the players mentioned when discussing possible movement.
Rodri’s departure marks another major moment of transition for Manchester City.
For Maresca, though, the focus is already shifting towards building his own team and establishing the next phase of City’s success.
The manager’s message was ultimately one of appreciation rather than bitterness.
Rodri gave City some of the biggest moments in their modern history, while the club provided the platform for him to develop into a global superstar.
Now their paths have separated. Barcelona get an elite midfielder with experience at the highest level, while City must find a way to move forward without one of their most important players.
For Maresca, the next challenge is clear: replace the influence, not simply the position.
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