Rodri has the kind of choice to make most footballers can only dream about. And remaining at Manchester City should NOT be one of them.
Outgrown City
When Real Madrid and Barcelona come calling at the same time, it speaks volumes for your standing in the game. Two of the biggest clubs on the planet going head-to-head for your services. Which is how it should be, because Rodri is the best midfielder on the planet.
A footballer who has outgrown his current club. Rodri has nothing left to prove or achieve in the blue half of Manchester. He has won the lot, including a Treble in 2023, having had a crucial role in elevating City to the ultimate level. And with Pep Guardiola having walked into the sunset, it feels like the time is now right for Rodri to seek a fresh challenge at the age of 30.
Peak of his powers
The Spaniard is at his peak. He proved this in the summer, leading Spain to World Cup glory. Having now won the ultimate prize, to sit alongside the Euros triumph of 2024, Ballon d'Or accolade and countless club trophies, there might be little left for Rodri to aim for. But someone like him should be desperate to add more layers to his legacy. And the place to do this should either be in Barcelona or Madrid.
The Nou Camp and Bernabeu are two genuine cathedrals of football. Fitting stages for the incredible talents Rodri has. Turning down Real in favour of Barca would not be everyone's choice. When it comes to history, tradition and standing in the game, no-one quite compares to the 15-time Champions League winners. A club the great Guardiola once labelled the "kings of Europe".
Barca the likely destination
But joining Barca, like what Rodri is expected to do in the coming days, would be quite the second prize. The reigning Spanish champions remain a monster of a club. One the likes of City will never be able to draw comparisons with. One with millions of supporters around the globe. One which has winning the biggest club prizes embedded in its DNA.
Rodri owes City nothing. He cost them £62.6m from Atletico Madrid, but went on to become a priceless addition to the team's progress. So if and when Rodri decides to say goodbye to the Etihad, supporters should bid him a fond farewell and give him their blessing. While City bosses should give fans a lasting reminder of how much he contributed. By giving the bloke a statue outside the stadium.
