Pep Guardiola: Manchester City would not prevent Rodri from transferring to Real Madrid
Pep Guardiola has stated that Manchester City will not obstruct Rodri if he wishes to transfer to Real Madrid, and he will not emulate Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior by suspending a player for not dismissing a potential move to the Spanish club.
On Friday, Rosenior disclosed that Enzo Fernández will be absent for Chelsea’s next two matches due to the midfielder having “crossed a line” with remarks made during the international break regarding a possible transfer to Santiago Bernabeu.
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Rodri made a similar statement, indicating that one “can’t dismiss the best clubs in the world” when questioned in an interview in Spain about the possibility of joining Real Madrid.
However, Guardiola asserts that Rodri will remain available for selection for City and, while he desires the midfielder to continue at the Etihad Stadium, acknowledges the appeal of the Spanish capital.
“What Chelsea has done is Chelsea,” Guardiola remarked when asked if Rodri would face a suspension akin to that given to Fernández.
“There is not a single player who would turn down the opportunity to play for Madrid; he was born in Spain.
“My hope is that Rodri can remain at this club for as long as possible because he is an incredible, top player, but each person’s life is their own.
“The organization of the club takes precedence over all of us. If a player is unhappy, they must leave. Continue as long as they are content, and I believe he is content.
“If he is not satisfied, he should approach the sporting director, accept an offer reflective of his exceptional quality, and then he no longer belongs to the club — only to himself.”
Rodri will enter the final year of his contract with City this summer, with his current agreement set to conclude in 2027.
City is eager to establish a new deal with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, and Guardiola emphasizes that discussions are a priority for director of football Hugo Viana.
“I know what the club desires,” Guardiola stated.
“They have informed me of their intentions regarding Rodri — it is to stay, stay, stay.
“I believe [Rodri wants to stay]. I have always had a positive [impression] about that, but ultimately, I do not know.”
