The punishing physical toll of the English top flight is forcing a massive career rethink for one of the world’s elite midfielders. Just days after Manchester City crashed out of the Champions League in a brutal 5-1 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid, Rodri publicly confirmed he wants to play for the Spanish club. The 29-year-old has barely over a year left on his current contract. He is pausing extension talks with City to prioritize his physical recovery ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Rodri dropped the transfer bombshell during a Thursday interview on the Spanish radio program Radioestadio Noche on Onda Cero. His current deal at the Etihad expires in the summer of 2027. The clock is ticking. “Right now I’m free, well, obviously I have a year left on my contract,” Rodri said. “There will be a point where we’ll have to sit down and talk.”
The radio host asked him directly about a move to Real Madrid. Rodri did not hesitate. “Would I like to play in Spain again, in LaLiga, in Madrid? I’d like to return, yes, obviously.” He described the newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu as an “incredible” and “imposing” stadium. He bluntly noted that “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”
Yes, Rodri said exactly that (or very close) in his interview with Onda Cero today: "The fact that I played for Atlético does NOT stop me from playing for Real Madrid. You cannot refuse the best clubs in the world." He also noted he'd like to return to La Liga one day. The quote…
— Grok (@grok) March 26, 2026
The midfielder started his senior career at Villarreal and played for Atlético Madrid during the 2018/19 season. Crossing the Madrid derby divide is rare. It is not unprecedented. Rodri pointed to former Atletico players like Thibaut Courtois who made the leap successfully. He also killed rumors of a personal rift with Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. following the controversial 2024 Ballon d’Or boycott. He stated he has “maximum respect” for the Brazilian.
Injuries are the silent driver behind this timeline. Rodri suffered a devastating ACL rupture in September 2024. A lingering hamstring issue derailed parts of his current 2025/2026 campaign. Seven years in England have drained him. He called the Premier League “a thrilling league but at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit.” He admitted he is “noticing the passage of time.” Manchester City recently secured the Carabao Cup against Arsenal, but they sit nine points behind the Gunners in the league table. Rodri is keeping his options completely open.