Enzo Maresca confirmed that Manchester City are planning to keep Rodri as he said "every manager in the world" wants to have him. The new Blues boss will let his midfielder rest after the World Cup and back surgery next week but then expects him back at the City Football Academy for the season.
Rodri's trophy haul and future uncertainty
The midfielder added the World Cup to his list of honours last week, becoming one of less than a dozen men in football to have won that, the Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or. He was named the best player at the tournament in the United States moments before he lifted the trophy as captain.
Rodri promised an update on his future after the competition finished but has yet to deliver one, and in the absence of that more reports indicate he would like to join Real Madrid this summer. Contract offers from City have remained unsigned, leaving an uncertain situation for the club with less than 12 months remaining on the player's contract.
Injury and recovery timeline
Of more pressing concern to City is Rodri's immediate fitness. The 30-year-old is set to undergo minor surgery next week on his back and that could put him out of the opening matches of the season. Having been expected to miss most of pre-season anyway given Spain went all the way at the World Cup, this latest procedure could further delay his availability.
Maresca is looking forward to welcoming the player back after his surgery. "We have to say that around big players there are always speculation. I'm not worried about that, it's normal. They won the World Cup and he was one of the best players. Every manager wants to have Rodri, but now surgery. He needs to rest and recover, and then he will be back here with us," said Maresca.
