Rodri keeps the door open for Real Madrid and promises a decision after the World Cup: “Let’s see after the World Cup”
Rodri, midfielder for Manchester City, has left open the possibility of returning to Real Madrid after the 2026 World Cup, confirming that he has not yet decided his future. With only 12 months left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium and a strong previous connection to Spanish football, the Spanish international is at the center of speculation regarding an imminent departure from the Premier League.
The situation at City is changing rapidly. The confirmed departure of Pep Guardiola, along with the likely arrival of Enzo Maresca, could trigger a revolution in the squad of the English champions, who failed to secure the Premier League title, handing it over to Arsenal. In this context, Rodri’s departure would not come as a surprise, especially since the 29-year-old has already shone at Atlético Madrid before moving to England.
In a press conference held for the Spanish media, Rodri was asked about Real Madrid’s interest and responded with his usual frankness: “It’s part of football. I’m focused on being a leader for the national team. That’s my path. I understand the noise, but I’m not going to waste time on it. We’ll see after the World Cup.” This response further fuels the speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future.
Rodri arrives at the World Cup with Spain more motivated than ever, despite the tumultuous past few months. After winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, a result of his decisive role in the Premier League and Spain’s European title in 2024, the player suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in a match against Arsenal. His recovery was slow, and the 2025/26 season was marked by just 21 appearances in the English league, but the midfielder assures that he is fit for the upcoming challenge.
“I’m ready. It’s the first time I arrive fresh, without so many games in my legs. I managed to overcome everything, even though the club couldn’t achieve all its goals. I have less rhythm than in 2024, but on the other hand, I have less game load,” said Rodri, confident for La Roja’s campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In Group H, Spain will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, and is considered one of the candidates to advance far in the World Cup. However, Rodri rejects the label of favorite and reminds everyone of the competition’s difficulty: “The favorites show themselves on the field. Labels mean little. The World Cup is very long and demanding. It will be a unique World Cup. Someone will pull off a surprise. We have to show what we’re worth.”
With the certainty that the future of the midfielder will be one of the hottest topics in the post-World Cup transfer market, fans can expect important decisions for both Manchester City and Real Madrid, which may once again count on one of its former talents to strengthen the midfield. Until then, Rodri is focused on leading Spain and showcasing all his class on the most demanding stage in world football.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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