Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City hope to keep midfielder Rodri beyond this season, but will not stand in his way if he wants to leave for Real Madrid.
A known target for Madrid over the years, Rodri recently admitted he “could not turn down” an offer from Los Blancos if it arrived, before hitting back at anybody criticizing him for his public comments.
The uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s future comes as he approaches the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad. If he is to leave, this may be City’s last opportunity to cash in for anywhere close to his maximum value.
Rodri remains a crucial part of Guardiola’s setup and the manager was asked whether he would still stick by his previous stance of granting an exit to any player if they express a desire to leave if someone of Rodri’s significance made such a request.
“Absolutely,” he vowed. “The organisation of the club is above all of us. If one player is not happy, they have to leave.
“Continue the same here if they are happy, and I think he is happy. If he is not happy just knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality, and after that he doesn’t belong to the club, only himself.”
Guardiola: We Want Rodri to Stay
Guardiola went on to admit that he would understand completely if Rodri chose to take his talents to Madrid, but insisted he remains confident the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will remain at the Etihad for the foreseeable future.
“I know what the club wants,” he said. “They informed me what they want from Rodri, it is to stay, stay, stay. I think [he will]. Always, I had the positive [feeling] with that but in the end I don’t know.”
He continued: “There is not one player that 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 because he’s an incredible, top player.
“I know he has proof for many years of how attached, how close he is to this club. The contribution has been massive. Now I have the feeling in the last one or two games he’s really back for a long, long time.”
City are expected to try and tie Rodri down to a new contract to end the speculation surrounding his future once and for all, with Guardiola keen to see a positive resolution as soon as possible.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Absolutely’—Pep Guardiola Reveals Man City’s Stance on Real Madrid’s Rodri Interest.
