Midfielder is high on the club’s target list and has previously expressed a desire to return to Spain
Manchester City’s Rodri has said any discussion over his club future will be postponed until after the World Cup.
The Spain international, whose contract at City runs until 2027, has been linked to Real Madrid and is especially high on the target list of Enrique Riquelme, the contender against Florentino Perez in the club’s elections this month.
Rodri has previously acknowledged a desire to return to Spain at some point in his career, having joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
However, having joined up with the Spain team at their World Cup training camp near Madrid, the 29-year-old said his focus is currently on the national team’s campaign rather than his future at club level.
“We’re here to talk about the World Cup,” Rodri said. “In terms of my future, I’ll wait until the World Cup is over.”
The midfielder’s comments come as Madrid consider reinforcements following a second consecutive season without major silverware. Riquelme recently described Rodri as “the kind of player who has to play for Real Madrid”, further fuelling reports of interest from the Spanish club.
Rodri, however, sought to downplay the attention surrounding his situation.
“It’s normal, it’s a part of football, names of players being linked to particular clubs,” he said. “I’m focused, I’m captain of the national team. My responsibility is to accept it. I’m a leader in the group, my only job is to help Spain win this World Cup. I won’t waste time on all that, and after the World Cup, we’ll see.”
The Ballon d’Or winner has been one of City’s most influential players during a period in which he has helped the club win four Premier League titles and the first Champions League in their history.
Rodri has struggled recently with injuries after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal in September 2024, but he gradually re-established himself in Pep Guardiola’s side last season, making 21 Premier League appearances.
He said he is preparing for the World Cup in positive condition despite a disrupted two years.
“I’m very happy and excited,” Rodri said. “I’ve been able to overcome everything. I’m coming in with less rhythm, but fewer matches under my belt.”
