Rodri has said his past with Atlético Madrid would not stop him from joining rivals Real Madrid, insisting players cannot turn down the world’s biggest clubs. The 29-year-old midfielder, currently at Manchester City, suggested he is open to a future move back to Spain as he approaches the final year of his contract.
“For me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world,” Rodri told Spanish media, adding that while such moves may not happen immediately, they are common over time.
Rodri, who joined City from Atlético in 2019, said he plans to hold talks with the club about his future but admitted he would “like to come back” to Spain one day.
Despite his history with Atlético, he pointed to other players who have represented both Madrid clubs, including Thibaut Courtois and Álvaro Morata.
Rodri has enjoyed major success under manager Pep Guardiola, winning 12 trophies, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League. He returned to action this season after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in 2024 and has made 18 league appearances so far. When asked about reported interest from Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, Rodri said any approach would be handled through his agent.
On the international stage, Rodri has earned 59 caps for Spain national football team and played a key role in their Euro 2024 and Nations League triumphs. He has also been included in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for upcoming friendlies as he targets a place at the 2026 World Cup.
