Rodri has publicly backed Manchester City's innocence just hours after the world learned the club had been found guilty of 114 of 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League in 2023. Speaking to the media in England on Friday night, the Spain captain, who left City for Barcelona in the summer, defiantly stated his belief in the club's integrity.
"I believe in the justice system and I believe in the innocence of the club," Rodri told reporters. "They always tell us the confidence they have on the innocence. When you look into someone's eyes and [they are] talking that way... And we had the example in 2020 and the process was the same, and in the end, nothing happened."
Rodri's defiant stance
City are expected to appeal the decision. Rodri could have distanced himself from the controversy, but instead chose to show his true colours. "We were very calm in this way. You never saw the team nervous about these kinds of things. Nowadays, I'm not going to say it's going to stay normal, but many teams - or some teams - go through these kind of situations and it's part of football today. And everyone has to follow the rules, and for me, that's great. I always praise the confidence that they never did something wrong, and we believe in that."
"The moment they prove wrong, we will believe the club. I've been there and I know how they work and how they co-operate, so that's what I can tell you."
From City to Barcelona
Rodri plays in England for the first time since his summer departure to Barcelona, a move that saw him leave City for £65m. Hansi Flick, who chased the midfielder all summer, expressed his delight at securing the signing. "He's a fantastic player who brings something special to every team, and for me it's brilliant to have him here," Flick told the club's media.
"I think he might be the best No.6. He can control the game, but he also helps out in defence. He can win aerial duels, which is very important for us, and of course he raises the standard of every player."
Controversy and apology
Rodri's outspoken nature landed him in hot water in September when he was caught on camera calling Valencia 'very weak' during Barcelona's 5-0 victory. Spanish pundits labelled the midfielder 'disrespectful'. He later issued an apology after Barcelona's Champions League win over Feyenoord.
"I apologised to my friend and colleague Jose Gaya [Spain defender and Valencia captain] and to the entire squad as well," Rodri said. "I also want to make it clear that it was simply an expression of surprise - anyone watching the video can see that. At no point did I intend to mock anyone or take a difficult moment for a team out of context. Quite the opposite - we all want Valencia to return to where it belongs in the league, it is one of the best clubs in the competition."
When asked to compare Flick and Guardiola, Rodri told Mundo Deportivo: "They're nothing alike. As soon as I arrived, I thought I was joining the Barca of rondos and possession, and then they put me through four days where I was thinking: 'What have I gotten myself into?' They started putting us through brutal physical sessions, gym work."
In December, Rodri will welcome his former teammates to Camp Nou for their Champions League league phase fixture. That night, he is guaranteed to receive plenty of love from the pocket of City fans in Catalonia, and any questions about his loyalty have been banished.
