Rodri eyes Real Madrid move after Man City glory

The midfielder admitted he is ready for a new challenge after seven demanding seasons in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 and has claimed nine major trophies at City, starred in their 2-0 Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal last Sunday. He has recently returned to form following a cruciate ligament injury that kept him sidelined last season and the start of this campaign.

Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero while on international duty, Rodri said: "I'd like to return [to La Liga], yes, obviously. For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it,  and I have to admit that the Premier League is my weakness.

"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."

On the possibility of joining Real Madrid despite his past with Atletico, Rodri added: "No, 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."

With just a year left on his City contract, the midfielder said he will address his future after regaining full fitness: "Right now I'm free, there will be a point where we'll have to sit down and talk, have a conversation."

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Rodri's focus is on returning to his peak form before making any decisions on a transfer.