Rodri's Final Interview | The Ballon d'Or winner reflects on his Man City career!

Rodri’s Reflections on Leaving Manchester City

Rodri reflects on departing Manchester City after seven highly successful seasons, describing the move as a balance of pride and sadness. He stresses the happiness he and his family experienced at the club, while noting that City was the defining place for his development—shaping him as both a player and a person.

City’s Defining Era and the Culture Behind It

Rodri highlights the club’s unprecedented success during his time there, citing:

• 298 appearances
• 14 major trophies
• The period he calls City’s “best era” in English football

He attributes this dominance to the club’s organizational culture, emphasizing the importance of having the right people and leadership, including figures such as Txiki and Pep. He also points to a structured approach to building the team—creating a family-like environment that connected staff, coaching, and players.

Iconic Moments Cementing His Legacy

Rodri identifies key events that solidified his legacy, especially:

• The 2023 UEFA Champions League triumph, including his goal in the final

He frames the Istanbul win as the culmination of long-term club direction and perseverance after earlier setbacks. He also recalls the transformative comeback against Aston Villa during the treble-winning run, describing how City responded to being two goals down. For Rodri, the match offered a lasting “lesson” in refusing to give up despite intense emotional and competitive pressure.

Individual Honors and City’s Role in Them

On personal achievement, Rodri explains that his Ballon d’Or win felt inseparable from his bond with City. He recalls the Etihad celebration and argues that fan support went beyond the highs—particularly during his injuries and return.

He maintains that while trophies can be individual accolades, City’s culture made those accomplishments feel like they belonged to the club as a whole.

Looking Ahead

Rodri believes City’s future will rely on the next generation writing their own story with confidence, step by step. He also insists he won’t truly feel like he’s leaving—saying his heart remains with City—and adds that he plans to stay connected with the club and his teammates.

Presenters / Contributors

• Rodri
• Interviewer (unnamed)