Rodri has officially joined Barcelona after sealing his move to Spain from Manchester City in a deal worth £64.5million.
Having rejected two bids, the Blues have accepted a total package that met their pricetag for the World Cup winner.
Seven-year City spell ends
The move to Barca ends Rodri's seven-year spell with City where he won a Ballon d'or before suffering a serious knee injury in September 2024 which cost him the best part of two years. He played a key role in the second half of last season as City completed a domestic cup double but it was at the World Cup with Spain where he showed he is back to his best.
The 30-year-old returned to Manchester on the eve of the Community Shield but did not travel to Cardiff with the Blues.
Back surgery and recovery
He underwent minor back surgery after the World Cup and it remains to be seen when he will be fit for senior action and a Barcelona debut.
City are intent on replacing Rodri with a deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi advancing and interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez persists despite the deadline imposed by the West London club not being met.
Rodri's farewell message
On leaving the club, Rodri said: “I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories. What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable. First, I first want to thank everyone I have worked with at City for all they have done for me and for helping me in so many amazing ways and helping become the player I am. I want to also say a special thank you to all my incredible teammates past and present. They helped make every single day here a total joy. It has been such a special privilege to share the dressing room and the pitch with you all."
He also had a special message for the fans: "Lastly, I just want to pay a special tribute to the City supporters. You helped make me feel at home in Manchester from the moment I arrived and you have always been there by my side. Thank you for supporting me and the team through good times and bad. It has been a pleasure to play in front of you all. My heart will always be blue. These seven years have been incredible. I have cherished every moment of what we achieved together and will always carry Manchester City in my heart.”
