Spanish midfielder Rodri is open to a return to La Liga amid talks of an exit from Premier League heavyweights Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 29-year-old has been linked with a return to Spain, this time with Real Madrid who have been exploring the possibilities of a summer move.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner rose through the ranks at Villarreal, before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2018.
Rodri spent just one season at the Rojiblancos and secured a high-profile move to the Premier League back in 2019, which has brought sustained success.
Speaking during an interview, the midfielder expressed desire to return to Spain at a point in his career, should he decided to leave Manchester City.
“I hadn’t planned to play outside of Spain in my career but Manchester City came up as an option in 2019 and I said yes. I have one year left on my contract at Man City. At some point we’ll have to sit down and talk,” Rodri told reporters while on international duty with Spain”, Rodri stated.
“Would I like to play in Spain again? In LaLiga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes.”
Rodri’s recent interview would have put Real Madrid on high alerts, considering the record European champions are seeking midfield reinforcements in the transfer window.
Los Blancos are long-term admirers of Rodri, who is also keen on the move, despite their fierce rivalry with his former club Atletico.
“Having played for Atletico before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid. There are other players who have done that before, maybe not direct transfers, but eventually”, the Man City midfielder added.
“You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs. It doesn’t matter if they arrive at the match in a good or bad moment, Real Madrid is always Real Madrid. The door is not closed.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is incredible. It’s a very intimidating place”, Rodri concluded.
Rodri remains a Manchester City player for now, although things could change as the summer approaches especially if Real Madrid make an approach to secure his services.
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