Emotional attachment – Superstar will have to be forced out of Manchester City
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Sport Witness By Pedro Reinert Published on 2026-02-22 10:39:00
Madrid, Spain – October 21, 2025: Champions League match between Villarreal FC and Manchester City played in Villarreal. Rodrigo Hernandez wins the Ballon d’Or. Tribute to Rodrigo at La Ceramica.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri would find it “very difficult” to join Real Madrid if he ever left the Etihad, according to former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta.
The comments come from an interview relayed by Spanish outlet Sport, and focus on the 29-year-old’s future amid continued speculation in Spain about long-term interest from Madrid.
However, from a City perspective, the key message is clear: Mendieta does not expect Rodri to leave at all.
“If he leaves Manchester City, I imagine there would be an agreement…
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