Rodri has bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City and its supporters after sealing a €75m (£64m) transfer to Barcelona. The Spaniard, a product of Atletico Madrid’s academy, had also garnered interest from Real Madrid this summer, but Barcelona won the race for his signature. He has agreed a four-year deal, keeping him at the Nou Camp until the summer of 2030.
Injury and Recovery
He will miss the opening stages of the La Liga campaign through injury, though, as he recovers from minor surgery on a back injury undertaken after he captained Spain to World Cup glory this summer. Writing an open letter to City fans after his exit was confirmed, he expressed his love to City’s supporters and thanked them for their constant support during his trophy-laden seven years with the club.
Memorable Moments
He also touched on some of his most memorable moments in City colours, including late winners and trophy lifts alongside memories made with his family during their time in Manchester.
Rodri’s Open Letter to Man City Fans in Full
“Dear City fans, I found that saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things in life but I am going to try.
“It’s hard to find the words to express how much gratitude, love and support me and my family have experienced all these years.
“I remember how I felt when I arrived, signing for the big Manchester City. It was a moment of pure excitement – ‘wow I am going to play with Kevin, Aguero, Silva, Bernardo, John and many others.’ I couldn’t stop smiling.
“And then Pep, waiting to teach me everything from day one. Pep I can tell you now, I couldn’t handle all those tactics in my head.
“But a question came to me, ‘could we handle all these expectations for the next years.’ I think that time answered the question.
“I knew I came into a top team but I never thought we could be able to create the legacy we made winning trophies, fans around the world, love and respect. We made an example to inspire the next generations not only because the success, also because the way we did it. And the fans were with us every step of the way.
“Many incredible moments come to my mind.
“My first trophy at City, in my first game.
“The last minute winners, like Arsenal away.
“Scoring in the Villa game to reach the Premier League, when it looked so tough.
“Scoring the goal to win the Champions League that we all wanted so much.
“The incredible reception you gave me after the Balon d’Or. You cannot imagine how proud I am to be the first player to win this award in a sky blue shirt.
“Making history, with the Treble, with Four in a Row. We saw things they’ll never see.
“And in the bad moments, also, you never let me down. My first day back on the pitch I realised how much you love me and I understood how special these fans were.
“City didn’t just make me a grow as a player. They made me grow as a human.
“I saw my brother graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University.
“I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS.
“Manchester shaped my whole life.
“I will never forget stepping onto the pitch, seeing a sea of blue sing ‘nah, nah, nah, nah…CITY’, taking my scooter into town for a coffee, walking through the parks listening to Oasis and always loving Manchester’s great rain.
“So City fans, it’s time to say goodbye, thanks to the club, the fans, the staff and my teammates. This journey couldn’t be the same without you, my heart will always be Blue.”
