Manchester City supporters have reacted with a mixture of heartbreak, anger, disbelief and gratitude after Rodri confirmed that he is ready to say goodbye to the club.
The midfielder’s message that his “heart will always be blue” but that this is the “right moment to say goodbye” has triggered an emotional response among City fans on X.
A personal message from Rodri to #ManCity fans. 🩵
“Dear City fans, I found that saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things in life but I am going to try. It’s hard to find the words to express how much gratitude, love and support me and my family have experienced all… pic.twitter.com/GeYPEcQeUR
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 18, 2026
For some supporters, Rodri will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to represent Manchester City. Others, however, were far less sympathetic to his decision to leave, with frustration spilling over across social media.
The reaction to the City Xtra post shows just how complicated Rodri’s departure has become.
City fans struggle to accept Rodri’s goodbye
One of the clearest reactions came from a supporter who simply wrote: “I’m not reading it. Obviously.”
It was a short message, but it captured the mood of many City fans.
Rodri has become an enormous figure at Manchester City. His importance to the club’s success over recent seasons has made the prospect of his departure particularly difficult for supporters to process.
Unlike a fringe player leaving after limited involvement, Rodri’s exit represents the loss of a midfielder who has been central to City’s identity and success.
That explains why some supporters did not even want to engage with his farewell message.
For them, reading Rodri’s explanation would make the situation feel even more real.
Another fan responded with just “Farrrk”, while another posted “fuckkk” as the news sank in.
The simplicity of those reactions arguably says more than a lengthy statement could.
“We love you Rodri”
Despite the anger from some sections of the fanbase, there was also plenty of appreciation for what Rodri has achieved in sky blue.
One supporter wrote: “We love you Rodri. All the best.”
Another said: “Thanks for everything.”
A further City fan offered an equally heartfelt “Thanks man.”
These messages reflect the enormous respect Rodri has earned during his Manchester City career.
Whatever supporters think about his decision to leave, his contribution cannot simply be erased.
Rodri has been one of the defining midfielders of City’s modern era. His performances in the centre of the pitch helped establish control in matches and provided the foundation for City’s attacking players to flourish.
That is why the departure feels so significant.
For many fans, there is a clear distinction between being disappointed by Rodri’s decision and forgetting everything he has done for Manchester City.
Some supporters are furious
Not every fan was prepared to offer Rodri a warm farewell.
One particularly angry supporter accused him of betrayal and criticised his decision to leave.
The comment was extremely hostile, showing the level of frustration felt by a section of the fanbase.
While such language does not represent every Manchester City supporter, it demonstrates how emotionally invested fans have become in the situation.
Another supporter simply replied “Abeg go”, essentially telling Rodri to leave.
There was also a reaction saying “All lies”, suggesting that some supporters do not believe Rodri’s explanation for why he feels the timing is right.
This is an important part of the conversation.
When a player becomes a symbol of a club’s success, supporters can develop a deep emotional connection with them. Therefore, when that player decides to leave, the reaction is not always rational.
For some City fans, Rodri’s explanation may not be enough to soften the disappointment.
“GOAT” shows how highly Rodri is regarded
Interestingly, the same conversation that contained some of the harshest criticism also included huge praise for Rodri.
One supporter described him simply as “GOAT.”
Another called him a “Legend.”
Those comments highlight the contradiction running through the Manchester City fanbase.
A supporter can believe Rodri is one of the best players in the club’s history while simultaneously being devastated by his decision to leave.
In fact, the anger may exist precisely because fans value him so highly.
If Rodri had been an ordinary squad player, his departure would probably not have generated anything close to this reaction.
Instead, supporters are confronting the possibility of losing one of the most influential players of the modern Manchester City era.
Fans even questioned the farewell message
The wording of Rodri’s statement also became a talking point.
One supporter joked: “He chatgpt this.”
The comment suggested that the farewell message sounded overly polished or artificial.
Another fan reacted to the statement with disbelief rather than emotion.
While these reactions were clearly made in frustration or humour, they demonstrate the skepticism surrounding Rodri’s explanation.
When emotions are running high, supporters naturally scrutinise every word.
Rodri’s claim that his heart will always be blue was likely intended to reassure City fans that his affection for the club remains intact.
Yet some supporters appear to have difficulty accepting those words alongside the decision to leave.
“My heart will always be…”
One of the more interesting reactions came from a supporter who began repeating Rodri’s own phrase: “My heart will always be.”
It is an indication that the emotional language of the farewell has already resonated with some fans.
For supporters who still love Rodri, that statement may be something they remember after his departure.
Players can leave football clubs, but their history remains.
Rodri’s biggest achievements at Manchester City will not disappear because he has decided that it is time for a new chapter.
What Rodri’s exit means for Maresca
Rodri’s departure creates a huge challenge for Maresca.
The new Manchester City head coach succeeded Pep Guardiola in June 2026 and is now responsible for building his own team.
Losing a player of Rodri’s importance makes that task considerably more complicated.
Rodri was not simply another midfielder. His ability to dictate the tempo, protect the defence and influence possession made him central to City’s approach.
Replacing those qualities will not be straightforward.
Maresca will therefore need to find a solution within the existing squad or through recruitment.
The challenge is even greater because supporters will naturally compare whoever replaces Rodri with the departing midfielder.
That comparison would be difficult for almost any player.
A painful end to a remarkable City chapter
The strongest theme from the fan reaction is that Rodri’s departure hurts.
Some supporters are furious.
Others refuse to read the farewell.
Some believe the message is insincere.
But many simply want to thank him.
That mixture of emotions is understandable.
Rodri’s time at Manchester City has been filled with major achievements and memorable performances. He became more than just a midfielder. For many supporters, he represented the control and intelligence that made City’s football so difficult to stop.
Now, that chapter is coming to an end.
The phrase “my heart will always be blue” may provide some comfort to supporters who feel betrayed by his decision.
Others will need considerably more time to accept it.
City fans will not forget Rodri
Whatever happens next, Rodri’s Manchester City legacy appears secure.
The angry reactions will eventually fade. The social media arguments will disappear. New players will arrive, and Maresca will develop his own team.
But the memories will remain.
For every supporter saying “GOAT” or “Legend,” there is a reminder of the status Rodri achieved at the Etihad.
For those saying “Thanks for everything,” there is recognition that his contribution deserves respect.
And for those struggling to accept the news, the anger is ultimately a reflection of just how much they wanted Rodri to remain a Manchester City player.
The Rodri Man City exit has therefore created one of the most emotional moments of this new era.
City supporters may not agree on his decision to leave.
They may not even agree on whether his farewell message is genuine.
But one thing is difficult to dispute: Rodri leaves Manchester City as a player who made an enormous impact on the club and its supporters.
His heart may always be blue, as he says.
For many City fans, however, part of their hearts will always belong to the Rodri who dominated midfield in sky blue.
