Rodri issues heartfelt message to Manchester City fans for ‘incredible’ support following injury | OneFootball

Manchester City supporters have received an emotional message from star midfielder Rodri concerning their reaction to his return to action post-injury last season.

The Spanish international has been central to Pep Guardiola’s success at the Etihad Stadium, with his consistency and leadership making him one of world football’s standout midfielders over the course of the last few years in particular.

But last season presented arguably the toughest moment of his career so far, when a horror ACL injury sustained in a 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal early in the campaign threatened to sideline him for the entire calendar.

Manchester City were left fearing the worst in terms of Rodri’s longer-term prospects even post-recovery, especially after Pep Guardiola recently revealed discomfort in the same knee that had caused problems for Rodri the year before.

While reassurances later followed that his recovery was being carefully managed, and Rodri returned to action this week in a 2-2 away draw with AS Monaco, few had expected the 29-year-old to return in time to play a meaningful part in the season.

That is what made his comeback appearance in the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth so significant last season. Not only did it lift teammates, but it also resonated deeply with supporters who had grown accustomed to seeing Rodri dictate matches and shield the backline with authority.

Speaking during a new conversation with ManCity.com, Rodri has emotionally reflected on the night he returned to action for the club last season, almost nine months after he sustained a horror ACL injury that was expected to end his campaign as a whole.

“The reception from the fans that night, for me, was incredible,” said Rodri. “They were desperate for me to come back in the same way I was desperate to come back, and this love they showed me – and not just for me, for my girlfriend and for my family – for all of us – makes me so proud.”

The Spain international continued on the 3-1 win over Bournemouth and his return last campaign, “They could easily have not done that because the season was going wrong, but they were just happy for me to come back as an individual to come back and try to help the team.

“Everyone plays a part in being a successful club – the fans, us, all the players – and they know they have to be there in the bad moments and for me there has been no exceptions to this, because they’ve always been there and that for me means an awful lot to me.”

Rodri’s gratitude towards the City faithful comes not long after he also revealed his emotional reaction to the Ballon d’Or celebrations staged at the Etihad Stadium last Autumn, admitting he “almost cried” as fans honoured his individual success.

These two moments – a career-defining personal award and an unlikely return from a season-threatening injury – underline the depth of his bond with supporters.

Looking ahead, Pep Guardiola will be keen to ensure his midfield leader is protected from another overexertion of minutes, particularly after successive seasons where his workload has been scrutinised.

With Manchester City chasing success in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League off the back of a campaign that failed to bring any major silverware to the club for the first time since 2016/17, Rodri’s health remains one of the club’s top priorities.

For fans, his return and messages of thanks serve as a reminder that the connection between player and supporter can prove hugely important. If Rodri stays fit, City will have not only their heartbeat in midfield but also a leader whose resilience and humility continue to inspire those around him.