Rodri returns home: 'I wanted to feel that excitement again'

Rodri is now a Barcelona player. The Spanish midfielder, World Cup champion with Spain and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, has signed a four-year contract with the Catalan club after leaving Manchester City, according to BBC Sport.

The deal is worth around £65 million, surpassing Barcelona's initial offer of £38.5 million made months earlier. The 30-year-old returns to Spanish football for the first time since leaving Atlético Madrid in 2019.

A dream come true

"I'm very happy and excited about this new stage. It's a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again," Rodri said after completing his move. He also praised the project and new manager: "I've come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality. I'm happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career."

In a heartfelt farewell to City fans, Rodri reflected on his time in Manchester: "I'm leaving with huge pride in what we achieved together. City didn't just make me grow as a player—they made me grow as a human. I saw my brother graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS. Manchester shaped my whole life." In seven seasons, the Spaniard made 298 appearances and won 12 major trophies with City, including the 2023 Champions League.

The deal Madrid couldn't close

Real Madrid had initially seemed best placed to sign him. Months ago, in a radio interview, Rodri said: "You can't turn down the best clubs in the world." However, Madrid withdrew from the race, leaving Barcelona to reach an agreement after City rejected the Catalan side's opening bid.