Rodri Completes £65m Barca Deal, Set for ‘Excitement Again’ in La Liga

Spanish World Cup winner Rodri has officially joined Barcelona from Manchester City for a reported fee of £65 million. The midfielder has signed a four-year contract, marking his return to Spanish football after leaving Atletico Madrid in 2019.

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I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career. It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again

Rodri, 30, expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter. "I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career. It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again," he stated. He believes Barcelona is a club with great ambition that aligns with his personality. "I’ve come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I’ll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season," Rodri added.

He also shared his anticipation of playing under Barcelona's new manager, Hansi Flick. "I’m happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It’s a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player," Rodri commented.

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I’ve come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I’ll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season.

The midfielder departs Manchester City after seven successful seasons, during which he made 298 appearances and secured 12 major trophies, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. Despite recent injury concerns, Rodri was named player of the tournament at the recent World Cup, where Spain emerged victorious. In a farewell message, he conveyed deep pride and gratitude to City fans for the "special and unforgettable" memories created together. He also noted the significant impact Manchester had on his personal life, mentioning his brother's graduation and his girlfriend's work in the NHS.

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I’m happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It’s a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player.

Rodri's move comes as Manchester City experiences a period of transition, with manager Pep Guardiola departing after a decade and key players like John Stones and Bernardo Silva also leaving. Silva has joined Real Madrid, setting up a potential El Clasico clash between him and Rodri.

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I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories.