Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Rodri from Manchester City in a deal worth £65.4m.
The Spain World Cup winner and former Ballon d'Or winner,
Rodri, 30, who helped City win four Premier League titles and a Champions
League crown, has signed a four-year contract with the LaLiga club.
Barcelona had bids of £40m and £55m rejected by City before
the deal was eventually agreed.
"I'm very happy and excited about this new stage in my
career. It's a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that
excitement again," Rodri said.
"I've come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits
my personality, so I'll try to help in every way I can to achieve our
objectives this season."
On the prospect of playing under German manager Hansi Flick,
Rodri said: "I'm happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my
career.
"It's a style that I think is somewhat different from
what I've experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a
player."
Rodri, 30, leaves City after seven seasons, having made 298
appearances and won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two
FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2023.
His final two seasons at the club were disrupted by injury,
but he returned to his best form in this summer's World Cup, being named player
of the tournament as Spain lifted the trophy for the second time.
In a farewell message to City fans, Rodri said: "I am
leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and
gratitude too for so many amazing memories.
"What we have done together in these years is something
both very special and unforgettable.
"City didn't just make me a grow as a player. They made
me grow as a human. I saw my brother graduating from Manchester Metropolitan
University.
"I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS.
Manchester shaped my whole life."
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