Updated: 17 May 2026 17:28 BST |
4 min read
Rodri insists he is fully focused on helping Manchester City pip Arsenal to the Premier League title and not speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
The Spain international has just one year remaining his contract at the Etihad Stadium, leading to plenty of talk surrounding his long-term future.
Sky Sports reported in March that City are hoping to tie the midfielder to fresh terms, such has been his influence on Pep Guardiola’s side over the years.
However, in the same month, Rodri fulled speculation of a possible move to Real by saying his previous association with city rivals Atletico Madrid would not prevent him from wanting to make the move to the Bernabeu.
“There are other players who’ve taken that path,” Rodri told Spanish publication Onda Cero. “Not directly, but over time. You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.
“I would like to return (to La Liga) yes, of course. For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, not as much as before, but I still follow it. But right now, I am very happy here (in the Premier League).”
But after helping Pep Guardiola’s City defeat Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, Rodri made it clear he is only thinking about the league title at the moment – not rumours of a switch to Spanish heavyweights Real.
In quotes carried by Spanish outlet SPORT, the 29-year-old said: “I’m calm. As I said a while ago, I only think about my club, about ending the season with the greatest possible titles.
“We have the option of setting up a Premier League and then the World Cup. Right now I don’t think much about my future. I’m going to be honest with you because there is another priority.”
City, who are looking to add the league title to their League Cup and FA Cup triumphs this season, are currently two points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table.
Rodri’s side travel to high-flying Bournemouth in their next league fixture on Tuesday, with Arsenal set to entertain relegated Burnley 24 hours earlier.
Jose Mourinho on the verge of becoming Real Madrid manager
Meanwhile in Spain, Real are in final negotiations to appoint Jose Mourinho as their next head coach, according to BBC Sport.
The 63-year-old, who is currently in charge of Portuguese giants Benfica, is set to return to the club he managed between 2011 and 2013, with widespread reports indicating an announcement is due next week.
Should Mourinho take over at the Bernabeu, he would replace Alvaro Arbeloa in the dugout, with the Spaniard having stepped up from the academy following the sacking of Xabi Alonso in January.
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