Frank Christian
Rodri remains optimistic about returning to Manchester City this season.
The Spanish midfielder encountered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a match against Arsenal on September 22nd, which has caused significant challenges for Guardiola’s squad.
Last Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Brighton marked City’s fourth straight defeat, leaving them five points behind Liverpool in the Premier League standings.
Recently, Rodri accepted his Ballon d’Or award on crutches in Paris, but he aims for an ambitious recovery after successful surgery by Dr. Manuel Leyes in Madrid.
When asked by Cadena Cope about his chances to return this season, Rodri stated, “Yes, yes. Seasons are longer now; the Club World Cup wraps up on July 13. I’m eager for that mental challenge.”
Will Rodri return this season?
Rodri’s optimism is tempered by the extensive timeframe of the new FIFA Club World Cup. Although with smooth recovery, a return by summer 2025 is possible, his chances of playing in the crucial late stages of the European season in April and May remain slim.
As the current season concludes, Pep Guardiola will be out of contract. Despite this, Rodri hinted that he sees his long-term future in Manchester, undeterred by the opportunities that come with his Ballon d’Or win.
“You want to be around the best, and Pep’s impact is significant,” remarked the 28-year-old, whose contract with City runs until June 2027. “When he leaves, things might change, but City will stay strong.”
“I prefer to focus on the present and I’m very happy at my club. Decisions about leaving or staying take careful consideration. While I have an appreciation for the Spanish league, the English league holds a special place in my heart, and I feel content at this club.”
Rodri’s Reaction to Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or Snub
Rodri was previously considered a potential target for Real Madrid, and it will be interesting to see how this speculation unfolds after the Spanish giants skipped the Ballon d’Or ceremony, unhappy that Rodri would receive the award over players like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal.
“All Spanish clubs should have congratulated me, but they didn’t,” he commented. “I prioritize my family and my club.”
“They have their own reasons; I wouldn’t have acted that way. There’s no point in dwelling on it. It’s a mistake to focus on a club that chose not to attend the event.”
