Manchester City expect Rodri will sign a new contract despite the central midfielder talking up a future move to Real Madrid.
Pep Guardiola revealed confidence that the 29-year-old is going to pen fresh terms after City made an offer to the Ballon d’Or winner ahead of the final year of his deal.
Rodri had claimed on international duty that Real would be tough to turn down and insisted that his previous allegiance with city rivals Atletico would prove no barrier.
‘I know what the club wants,’ Guardiola said. ‘They informed me what they want from Rodri – it is to stay, stay, stay.’
Pressed on whether he believes Rodri will remain at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola replied: ‘I think so. Always I had the positive (feeling) with that.
‘There is not one player who will turn down the chance to play for Madrid. He was born in Spain. Always my wish is that Rodri could stay as long as possible in this club
Pep Guardiola is convinced that Man City will want to cling on to talismanic midfielder Rodri
‘I think he is happy. If he is not happy just knock on the door of the sporting director (Hugo Viana), accept an offer according to his incredible quality and after that he don’t belong to the club.
‘Now I have the feeling over the last one or two games that he’s really back.’
Rodri’s midfield team-mate Phil Foden’s dip in form has been under the microscope after England’s two friendlies ahead of the World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel casting doubt on his inclusion in the 26-man squad.
But Guardiola leapt to Foden’s defence – and implied even the very best go through concerning patches.
‘Last season was Phil’s worst,’ Guardiola said. ‘But this one until November was really good.
‘There are the Wayne Rooneys and this type of player… have they been for 15 years all the time incredible? I don’t know, I don’t remember. Maybe one season or half season there was a little bit of a drop, it’s normal – except maybe Messi and Cristiano.’
And the Catalan told Foden to rise to the challenge having started only three of the last 14 games in all competitions.
‘How many titles does Phil have?’ he added. ‘All the titles we have won Phil was there and he’s been important in that. It’s not like he was a player who only sometimes played. It was completely the opposite.
‘It is up to him, ss quickly as possible he has to realise “I have to do better”, go to the simplicity. He’s aware of that so OK, take it like a challenge. I know Phil perfectly and what he’s capable of.
‘I’m pretty sure he would love to go with England. These opportunities cannot be missed. If you have an opportunity, play as good as possible to be selected because it’s only one every four years.’
