Rodri’s move to Barcelona
Barcelona has confirmed the acquisition of midfielder Rodri from Manchester City in a deal reportedly valued at approximately £65m. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has committed to a four-year contract at the Nou Camp, marking his return to Spanish football after departing Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Rodri, who is 30, concludes a seven-season tenure with Manchester City, during which he made 298 appearances. His time with the club saw him secure 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League in 2023.
The midfielder’s final two seasons at Manchester City were impacted by injury. However, he regained top form during this summer’s World Cup, where he was named player of the tournament as Spain clinched the trophy for the second time.
In a farewell message to Manchester City supporters, Rodri expressed a profound sense of pride regarding the team’s accomplishments and gratitude for the memories created. He stated that his time in Manchester not only fostered his growth as a player but also as a person, noting his brother’s graduation from Manchester Metropolitan University and his girlfriend’s work for the NHS.
Details of the transfer
Rodri was in the final 12 months of a contract he signed with Manchester City in 2022. Although the Premier League club sought an extension, negotiations did not lead to an agreement. Initially, Real Madrid appeared to be the primary contender for the midfielder’s signature. However, reports indicated that Barcelona secured Rodri’s consent to initiate discussions with Manchester City.
In March, when questioned about the possibility of joining Real Madrid, Rodri, a former Atletico Madrid player, remarked that other players had followed a similar path, not directly but over time, and that one cannot decline offers from the world’s top clubs. Nevertheless, Real Madrid subsequently withdrew their interest.
Manchester City initially rejected Barcelona’s opening bid of £38.5m. An agreement was eventually reached for a sum significantly higher than the initial offer. On Monday, Rodri arrived in Barcelona, telling journalists at the airport that playing for the Catalan side is a “dream.”
Rodri’s new role at Barcelona
Barcelona player Fermín López discussed the team’s squad number changes and welcomed Rodri. Rodri will take the number 16 shirt, previously worn by Fermín. Fermín will now wear the number 7 shirt, which became available after Ferran Torres moved to Paris Saint-Germain.
Fermín expressed his fondness for the number 7, noting its historical significance at the club and his satisfaction with acquiring it. He also mentioned feeling a slight sadness about relinquishing the number 16, which he cherished during his time with the first team, but expressed confidence that it would be in capable hands with Rodri.
López lauded Rodri as an exceptional player, a Ballon d’Or winner, and a world champion. He highlighted their shared experience playing together for the national team, affirming Rodri’s status as the best holding midfielder in the world and anticipating his significant contributions to Barcelona. Barcelona is set to commence their La Liga campaign against Elche next Sunday at the Martínez Valero.
Source: bbc.com
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