Rodri drops Man City bombshell by opening door to stunning Real Madrid transfer

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Rodri admits he would struggle to turn down interest from Real Madrid after expressing a desire to return to La Liga in the future.

The midfielder, 29, joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid back in 2019 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the most important players in Pep Guardiola 's all-conquering team, even winning the Ballon d'Or back in 2024 .

Rodri has less than 18 months remaining on his contract at The Etihad and, ahead of international duty later this week, opened the door to a sensational return to Spain when he was quizzed about his future before the prospect of a potential move to Los Blancos was put to him.

"I’d like to return, yes, obviously," Rodri told Spanish radio station Onda Cero when asked about playing in Spain again. "For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, it’s true not as much as before, but I still follow it.

"And I have to admit that the Premier League is my weakness. I think it’s a thrilling league but at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit. I’ve been there for seven years now, and I’m noticing the passage of time, but for the moment I’m very happy there.

"I’m currently recovering from an injury, and what worries me right now is my feeling, my level, how to get back to my previous level. Not the contract issue, that will come, especially with a World Cup coming up, which is crucial for reaching my level.

"Right now I’m free, well, obviously I have a year left on my contract, obviously there will be a point where we’ll have to sit down and talk, have a conversation."

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Having previously played for one of Real Madrid's major rivals in Atletico, it was then put to Rodri that his affiliation with his previous club would potentially kill any chance of a move to the Bernabeu.

But Rodri was adamant that any player would find it difficult to turn down one of the 'best clubs in the world '.

He added: "No, I mean, there have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time. I mean, for me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.

"They have a fanbase that really goes all out for them, and for me, the Bernabeu is always incredible, a stadium that’s very imposing."