Rodri has bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City after completing a £65.4 million move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
City had hoped to hold onto the midfielder, who had one year remaining on his contract with the club, after spending seven incredibly successful years at Eastlands.
The 30-year-old won 12 major trophies, including four Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, as well as the crowning glory of his club career, the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
After captaining Spain to their second FIFA World Cup win this summer, Rodri has returned to his native homeland, signing a four-year deal with Barcelona.
Real Madrid had registered their interest in the Spaniard, but his preference was to join the La Liga champions.
Upon joining Barça, Rodri said it was the “right time” to leave City, but his “heart will always be blue all my life”.
Rodri bids Man City farewell as Barcelona transfer completed
“It’s not like I miss [City] because I don’t feel like I’m leaving. I think I’m just moving to another club, but my heart will always be linked to the city and to the club.
“I always try to be involved in the games, try to come and watch them and keep in touch with my ex-teammates.
“But of course, physically you leave. Seven years is the right moment to say goodbye, to write a good story.
“I always say that the most important thing is to have the whole image, the whole movie, and say I’m proud of this.
“Both parts, club and player, we’re proud of this, and this was the reason for my decision.
“My heart will always be blue all my life. And they always have Rodri for anything they need.”
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