Madrid, which he plans to follow closely in case of a future offer. While rumours about a transfer for the 28-year-old midfielder are intensifying, Marca has revealed Florentino Pérez’s uncompromising response.
A key player in Manchester City’s setup and the Spanish national team for several years, Rodri has, since last 28 October, become a media darling. Unexpectedly winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or ahead of Vinícius Júnior, the 28-year-old midfielder is taking advantage of his knee injury, which keeps him sidelined until the end of the season, to accept invitations from Iberian media outlets. While he does not shy away from making strong remarks about Cristiano Ronaldo or the Ballon d’Or he won, the former Atlético Madrid player stood out with comments about Real Madrid.
Rodri’s nod to Los Blancos
During the El Larguero programme on Cadena SER radio last Thursday, the Spanish international (57 caps, 4 goals since 2018) spoke about joining Florentino Pérez’s club. “When Real Madrid calls you, the best club in history and the most successful, with everything it represents, it’s an honour. You must always pay attention to it. That’s clear,” said the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who was not making such remarks for the first time, having already expressed admiration for Real Madrid a few weeks ago.
Since then, several Spanish media outlets have reported a link between Real Madrid and Rodri. According to many, the Madrid board would be targeting the player, who is currently greatly missed at Manchester City, to replace Toni Kroos in midfield. While big news was expected ahead of the summer transfer window next June, a clear stance has now been taken.
Real Madrid are not interested
According to reports from José Félix Díaz, one of Marca’s journalists closest to the Madrid administration, Florentino Pérez gives no importance to Rodri’s sweet words. Determined not to repeat a situation similar to Eden Hazard’s disappointing spell in Madrid, the Real Madrid management is no longer interested in signing players close to 30 years old.
Despite Rodri’s strong performances for Manchester City, there is no possibility of a transfer happening with the Madrid team. Currently, it should be noted that Real Madrid have no interest in Rodri, even though he considers the Madrid club one of the greatest in the world and impossible to ignore in case of an offer. With the new policy spearheaded by Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez, young players are the priority. At present, defence is the primary focus.
Afterwards, it will likely be the midfield, with a focus on young prospects like Florian Wirtz, who has been excelling under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen in recent months. Additionally, with players like Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz expected to have significant playing time at Real next season, it would be very difficult to see Florentino Pérez bringing the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner to Madrid.
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