Man City’s Rodri to decide future after FIFA World Cup as Real Madrid interest grows
Spain midfielder Rodri has confirmed he will delay any decision on his Manchester City future until after the World Cup, insisting his full attention is on leading Spain’s campaign in North America. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is entering the final year of his contract and continues to be linked with a possible move to Real Madrid.
Rodri stressed that external noise around his contract situation is inevitable but will not affect his focus. He is widely expected to be one of Spain’s key figures as they head into Group H, where they will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
“Well, I’m trying not to make too much of it, but it is part of my job, especially when a player has been nearing the end of his contract for some time – it’s only natural that names come up,” the 29-year-old said on Monday.
With Madrid presidential elections also approaching, speculation has intensified after candidate Enrique Riquelme reportedly identified the midfielder as a potential marquee target in his campaign against incumbent Florentino Prez.
“But anyway, I’m very calm, I know exactly where I stand, and yes probably if there hadn’t been a World Cup, I might be in a different situation now but with a World Cup on the horizon, my responsibility is to stay focused. We’re here to talk about the World Cup and everything that concerns my future. I’ll wait until the end of the World Cup.”
RODRI DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM RAFAEL NADAL
Beyond his club future, Rodri also highlighted the mindset he wants within the Spain camp, drawing inspiration from tennis great Rafael Nadal after watching a documentary on the 22-time Grand Slam champion. He urged his teammates to adopt a more disciplined, collective approach built on effort and humility.
“What I told them is that we need to try to play without the ball like a small team. With that mindset of not thinking you’re the best,” he added.
“I was just watching the documentary on Nadal and he was always talking about that – always one more ball, one more effort. And that’s what the great champions do and, above all, bringing out all the talent this team has, which is very big.”
Spain will hope that Rodri’s leadership and mentality can anchor their midfield as they balance the pressure of expectation with the demands of a challenging World Cup campaign.
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