Rodri's Big Challenge This Season
After suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee last September, Rodri is determined to return to the pitch before the end of the season with Manchester City.
September 22, 2024, will forever be etched in Rodri's memory, but not for a good reason. On that day, Arsenal and Manchester City, both contenders for the Premier League title, faced off in a spectacular and thrilling clash at the Etihad Stadium (2-2). However, in the 16th minute of this intense match, Rodri's season took a drastic turn. The 28-year-old midfielder suddenly stopped one of his runs and collapsed on the turf, clutching his right knee after a challenge with Thomas Partey. With tears in his eyes, the Spanish international left the pitch limping and with his head down, a heart-wrenching image.
Three days later, the diagnosis was clear. Devastated by the injury to their midfield lynchpin, Manchester City confirmed that the recent Ballon d'Or winner for 2024 would be sidelined for several months due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Season over for Rodri? Many believed that the best player of the last Euro wouldn't return until the next campaign, but the player himself has different plans. This week, during an interview on 'El Partidazo' show by COPE, the Sky Blues' midfielder revealed that he aims to be back on the pitch this very season.
Contract Extension Not a Priority
“I intend to play this season. Now that the seasons are longer and the Club World Cup finishes on July 13, I want to come back this year—it's a personal challenge. I've already started walking, and I'm feeling better than I expected,” Rodri stated, showing his determination to play a significant role in Manchester City's end-of-season run. Ready to take on this new challenge, Rodri also spoke about his future at the club, not ruling out a possible return to Spain, a country he left five years ago to join the north of England.
“Renewing with City is not my priority right now. I want to recover first, and then we'll see... I like to live in the present; I have a contract with City, and I'm very, very happy here. Since I arrived in England, it feels like home, but I still follow La Liga and I’m not closing any doors,” the recent Ballon d'Or winner admitted candidly in statements reported by Marca. Although his contract runs until June 2027, Rodri still has time to contemplate his future.
