Rodri states that his past at Atlético does not prevent him from shining at Real Madrid.

Rodri, the star of Manchester City and recent winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, has stirred excitement among fans by stating that he does not rule out the possibility of one day wearing the jersey of Real Madrid, despite his previous connection to rival Atlético de Madrid. The statement, made during a conversation on the “Radioestadio Noche” program on Onda Cero, raises questions about the future of the defensive midfielder and his ambitions in Spanish football.

“Having played for Atlético de Madrid does not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid. There are more players who have taken that path. Not directly, over time. You cannot renounce the best clubs in the world,” said 29-year-old Rodri, highlighting his pragmatic view on his career. The player, who is currently representing the Spanish national team during this international break, also commented on his contractual situation, which ties him to Manchester City until 2027. Rodri did not hesitate to admit that he is open to discussing a potential renewal with the “Citizens,” but he does not rule out the idea of returning to Spain.

“Have I ever heard that the president and the general director of Madrid are pleased with Rodrigo Hernández? I don’t know… they don’t talk to me. They talk to my agent,” he revealed, in a statement that could further intensify feelings among the fans of the two rival clubs.

In addition to discussing his future, Rodri also reflected on his recent achievement of winning the Ballon d’Or, where he surpassed other big names, including Brazilian Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid. “I think they wanted to put Vinícius against me, and for nothing… I have great respect for him, for everything he did that year… In the end, it’s other people who decide who wins the Ballon d’Or. At the gala, I didn’t prepare for anything; I didn’t know I was going to win,” he confessed, showing humility despite the prestige of his victory.

Rodri also drew a parallel between his career and the aspirations of the Spanish national team for the 2026 World Cup, following their victory in the 2024 European Championship. “Since [the coach] Luis de la Fuente arrived, we have had a very clear helm: to live each game like a final. We have been demonstrating our potential little by little. I am convinced that Spain will be there. Spain won a World Cup with two defensive midfielders. The wealth that De la Fuente has to combine many pieces is essential. We will win at the World Cup. We have never had doubts with this team; we knew the raw material we had,” he stated, with contagious confidence.

Rodri, with his clear vision and ambitious goals, remains a central figure in world football, and his willingness to explore new opportunities, even if it means crossing over to a historic rival, promises to keep fans on edge. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Rodri is not intimidated by rivalries and continues to carve his own path in the sport he loves so much.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.