Pep Guardiola on Rodri’s Future: ‘If He’s Not Happy, He Can Leave’
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Rodri’s future, acknowledging the player’s potential interest in a move to Real Madrid while emphasizing the club’s desire to keep him. The comments came ahead of City’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool.
Rodri, a key figure in City’s midfield and the recipient of the 2024 Ballon d’Or nomination, has not ruled out a transfer to the Spanish giants at the end of the season, despite having a year remaining on his current contract. Guardiola understands this allure.
Real Madrid’s Appeal
“No player would reject the possibility of playing for Real Madrid,” Guardiola admitted. He acknowledged the prestige and draw of the Spanish club, a sentiment many footballers share. However, he also stressed the importance of player happiness.
“If a player is not happy, he can leave. But if he is happy, and I believe he is, everything will continue as before,” Guardiola stated. He reiterated his personal wish for Rodri to remain at the club for as long as possible, praising his incredible talent and contribution to City’s success.
The Club’s Position
Guardiola also revealed the club’s stance on the matter. “I know what the club wants, they want Rodri to stay. I have always been positive about it, but ultimately, I don’t know,” he conceded. He highlighted that the final decision rests with the player, and that the club would respect his wishes if he expressed a desire to move on.
Rodri’s Impact at Manchester City
Since joining Manchester City in 2019, Rodri has been instrumental in the club’s dominance, securing four Premier League titles and a coveted Champions League trophy. He famously scored the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, cementing his place in City’s history.
Guardiola emphasized that if Rodri were to seek a departure, the club would be open to considering offers that reflect his quality. “If he’s not happy, he can talk to the sporting director, accept an offer that is commensurate with his quality, and leave,” he explained.
The situation remains fluid, and the coming months will likely determine Rodri’s future. For more on Rodri and Manchester City, visit Manchester City’s official website.
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