Rodri takes emotional trip down Spain memory lane amid Man City contract impasse | OneFootball

Rodri has declared that winning trophies with Spain is a more special feeling than lifting silverware with Manchester City, in an interview appearing on DAZN’s Revelado programme as relayed by AS.

The 29-year-old has won 19 major trophies across his club and international career to date, including four Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain under Luis de la Fuente. He is now targeting FIFA World Cup glory in North America this summer, with Spain among the favourites for the tournament.

Rodri’s contract situation at the Etihad Stadium remains unresolved heading into the summer, with Fabrizio Romano having reported that the midfielder is seeking a better financial offer from City than what has currently been tabled, though more recent reports suggest the two parties are not far away from an agreement.

Rodri: Winning with your country is more special than with your club

In a recent interview with Spanish newspaper AS, Rodri reflected on his Euro 2024 success with Spain while looking back over his career on the DAZN programme, placing the international triumph above everything he has achieved at club level.

“The most beautiful moment of my career. Achieving your dreams with your country is more special than with your club,” he said of the European Championship victory, as quoted by Sport Witness.

“It’s amazing how the tournament unfolded, how the team won it. We weren’t the favourites, and what we did. It capped off a special, unique year.

“Maybe we weren’t considered contenders, and that made us stronger. That confidence is something you carry within you. We knew we were the best, but we had to prove it.”

Rodri also reflected on the two standout moments from his Manchester City career, beginning with the 2023-24 season in which he contributed a crucial goal to seal a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.

“Possibly the most complete year I ever had. In terms of goals, I was in incredible physical condition. I helped the team win their fourth consecutive title. Capping it off with that goal was special,” he said.

Rodri: What I remember most about Istanbul is the team

On City’s historic Champions League triumph in Istanbul in 2023, Rodri’s reflection was more about the collective than the personal.

“A very special day because of what the Champions League meant for the club, what that iconic goal meant to me personally, but what I remember most is the team,” he said.

“Our ability to overcome previous years, to not win a title that I think we deserved, but which had eluded us. I remember talking to Pep at that moment about how hard it had been. Moments of pure joy.”

The comments arrive as Rodri prepares to represent Spain at the World Cup having insisted he will not address his future until after the tournament concludes, with City and his representatives understood to be working towards an agreement on an extension that would keep him at the Etihad Stadium beyond the expiry of his current deal in 2027.