Manchester City midfielder Rodri has said he will postpone any discussions about his future until after the FIFA World Cup, amid growing speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
The Spain international, whose contract at Manchester City runs until 2027, has previously admitted that he would like to return to Spain before the end of his playing career.
The 29-year-old Ballon d’Or winner has recently been linked with Real Madrid, with reports suggesting he is a target for presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme ahead of the club’s upcoming election.
Speaking to reporters at Spain’s pre-World Cup training camp near Madrid on Monday, Rodri downplayed the speculation surrounding his future.
“I try not to give too much importance to the rumours. It’s part of football,” Rodri said.
“When a player enters the latter stages of his contract, it’s normal for people to start talking and for clubs to be linked with him. I’m very calm because I know exactly where I stand.
“Perhaps if there wasn’t a World Cup this summer, things might be different, but right now my focus is entirely on the national team.”
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has enjoyed a highly successful spell at the Etihad Stadium, winning four Premier League titles and playing a pivotal role in the club’s historic Champions League triumph.
However, his progress has been disrupted by injuries in recent seasons, including a serious cruciate ligament injury suffered in September 2024.
With Spain preparing for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, which begins on June 11, Rodri insisted that all decisions regarding his club future will be put on hold.
“With a World Cup ahead, my responsibility is to stay focused on the tournament,” he said. “Anything related to my future will wait until after the World Cup.”
