‘I’m ready to go’ says Rodri as he arrives at Barcelona in major coup for Spanish giants
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Rodri posing with his shirt during his presentation to the media at Barcelona on Aug 18.
PHOTO: REUTERS
BARCELONA – Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Rodri said he was ready to “feel that excitement again” after completing his move to Spanish football giants Barcelona from English Premier League side Manchester City on Aug 18.
In a statement on their website, the La Liga champions said the 30-year-old has signed a deal that will run until 2030, bringing an end to one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer.
His contract with City had been due to expire in June 2027, reported Reuters.
After two failed bids, the two teams reached a deal on Aug 16, which a source from the English club told AFP would go up to €76.5 million (S$113.2 million), including bonuses. Rodri then arrived in the Catalan capital the following day to thrash out personal terms with his new club.
“I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career,” he said during his Aug 18 unveiling at Barca, where he will hope to help the club win a third successive La Liga title.
“It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again.”
After seven trophy-laden years at City, the former Atletico Madrid and Villarreal player was reported to be close to joining Real Madrid, before finally opting for their arch-rivals.
The midfielder has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons but shone as Spain won their second World Cup in North America in July.
Despite Barca’s recent dominance of La Liga, they have failed to lift European club football’s biggest trophy since 2015, when the club’s star-studded attack of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez fired them to their fifth Champions League title.
“It’s a pleasure to be at Barca. I’ll give 100 per cent of everything I have,” Rodri said.
“I’m here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League. I’ve come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I’ll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season.”
To help him achieve these goals is a Camp Nou dressing room replete with familiar faces from Rodri’s Euro 2024 and World Cup successes with Spain, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Dani Olmo.
He will also join up with new teammates, wide men Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, after the pair joined Barcelona earlier in the close season.
One of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants at City, Rodri said he believed his new coach at Barcelona, Hansi Flick, would “bring a lot to my career”.
“(Flick has) a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player,” he added.
Trophy-laden time at City
Rodri leaves City after winning four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups since joining the English club from Atletico in 2019.
He made 298 appearances, scoring 28 goals and helping City secure 14 major trophies.
He spent six seasons under Guardiola, establishing himself as one of the world’s best midfielders and playing a pivotal role in the club’s treble in the 2022-23 season.
He also helped City become the first men’s top-flight club in English football history to win four consecutive Premier League titles.
But the last two years have also been marked by injury setbacks.
He spent more than seven months on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2024, while he also dealt with knee and hamstring problems last season.
‘Ready to train’
Rodri arrives at Camp Nou after recently undergoing minor back surgery, a setback that was expected to keep him out for the start of the season.
“I’m ready to go,” he told reporters. “The surgery everyone was talking about was no big deal, it was just an outpatient procedure.
“I’m ready to train with the team, and when the coach thinks it’s time – once I’ve gotten back into the swing of things – I’ll be ready to play. I hope that’s as soon as possible.”
In a lengthy farewell message to City supporters, Rodri reflected on his time at the club.
“I knew I came into a top team but I never thought we could be able to create the legacy we made winning trophies, fans around the world, love and respect,” he said.
“We made an example to inspire the next generations not only because (of) the success, (but) also because (of) the way we did it. And the fans were with us every step of the way...
“Making history, with the treble, with four in a row. We saw things they’ll never see... It’s time to say goodbye. Thanks to the club, the fans, the staff and my teammates. This journey couldn’t be the same without you. My heart will always be ‘blue’.” AFP, REUTERS
