“Madrid is my city” – Rodri opens up on Manchester City future after Dani Carvajal revelation on Real transfer pursuit

Manchester City’s Rodri has opened up on his Etihad Stadium future following Dani Carvajal’s comments earlier this week concerning the pursuit of a Real Madrid transfer.

Etihad Stadium officials are widely expected to open negotiations with the player and his representatives later this summer to discuss an extended and improved contract following an integral period for the club under Rodri’s leadership in midfield.

Following several stand-out moments during his time at City, most notably his UEFA Champions League final winning goal in 2023, club bosses are expected to reward Rodri with a pay package that will make him one of the club’s highest earners alongside Erling Haaland.

In the meantime however, Rodri’s time with Spain at the ongoing European Championships has opened him up to charm offensives from players at other clubs, with Dani Carvajal revealing this week that he is telling the City man “every day” to join Real Madrid.

“I tell Rodri every day to sign for Real Madrid,” the defender said in a recent interview. “I tell him every day to leave Manchester, that there is no sun there and to come to Madrid, that we need him… He tells me he has a contract… but he would be perfect for us.”

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS this week, Rodri has responded to previous comments made by Dani Carvajal and his attempts at a Real Madrid switch for the Manchester City midfielder, as the 28-year-old commented on his own future at the Etihad Stadium.

“I try to analyse all the decisions I make, to have a criterion,” Rodri revealed, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness. “And, above all, I try to make processes. I’m very, very happy in England. I think I’m at one of the best clubs in the world, it’s obvious, and I’m happy.

“I have a three-year deal (at Manchester City) and, when the time comes, I will see,” he continued.

Rodri did however admit that he does not think too far into the future when it comes to his football career, but clarified that Madrid and Spain as a whole remain his home, with it being known that his family live in the Spanish capital.

“I’ve said it before with regard to the short term. I don’t like it or it doesn’t make much sense to look at the long term. Spain is my country, Madrid my city, at home.

“When I went to Manchester, I remember a conversation I had with my parents in which they asked me if I was sure because I was going to another country, another culture. And, in the end, one is happy when one is sure of things. If I go back, it would be with conviction.”

Manchester City certainly have no plans to sell Rodri any time soon, and despite their attempts at signing a new defensive midfielder this summer, that is with a view towards securing a suitable back-up for the Spaniard.

Rodri is likely to miss most of Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States due to an extended period of rest following the European Championships in Germany, with the club embarking on four fixtures along the east coast later this month.