Pep Guardiola has made it clear that Manchester City will not stand in Rodri’s way if the midfielder decides to pursue a move to Real Madrid.
As transfer speculation continues to build, Rodri’s recent comments about a possible return to Spain have added fuel to the conversation.
The midfielder hinted that turning down a move to one of Europe’s most decorated clubs would be difficult: placing City in a delicate position.
However, Guardiola struck a composed tone when addressing the situation, distancing his approach from that of Chelsea, who recently took a firmer stance with Enzo Fernandez over similar remarks.
“What Chelsea has done is Chelsea. There is not one player who I think would turn down the chance to play in Madrid. I understand completely. He was born in Spain,” Guardiola said.
“Always my wish is that Rodri would stay longer, as long as possible in this club, because he is an incredible player, a top player.
“I know he has proved for many years how attached, how close he is to this club. His contribution at this club has been massive.
“Now I have the feeling in the last one or two games that he is really, really back for a long, long period.”
As the midfield battle intensifies off the pitch, Guardiola reinforced his long-standing philosophy: no player is bigger than the club.
If a player wants out, the door remains open, provided the terms are right.
“Absolutely. The organisation of the club is above all of us. If one player is not happy, they have to leave. It will continue the same.
“Always I think he is happy and I hope he is happy but if he is not, all he has to do is knock the door of the sporting director, accept an offer in an accordance with his incredible quality and after that it belongs to the clubs and himself.”
For now, Rodri remains a key figure at City, and Guardiola is hopeful the midfielder stays.
Still, with Los Blancos circling and the transfer window approaching, this is a story that could quickly gather pace in the coming months.
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