Rodri admits he must ‘be smart’ after being subbed off against Napoli – and provides latest fitness update | OneFootball

Man City star Rodri says he is “feeling better every day” following his serious knee injury last season – but accepts he must “be smart” with how many minutes he plays.

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner missed the majority of last season with an ACL injury before suffering another injury setback at the Club World Cup.

But the Spaniard has returned to playing regularly this season, and played an hour of City’s opening Champions League victory over Napoli.

Boss Pep Guardiola revealed afterwards that Rodri had asked to be replaced, sparking fears that he might have an injury worry.

However, the 29-year-old clarified that he is just trying to be sensible when it comes to how much he plays.

“To be honest, I’m not worried about that,” he responded when asked about the risk of getting injured again.

“I think the schedule now is a bit busy with three games so try to be smart and don’t want to play every game. Be progressive.

“But I’m really happy, first because of the team and then individually because I’m feeling better every day.”

Reflecting on his injury and City’s struggles last season in his absence, Rodri added: “It was a tough time but I always try to take the positive things in life.

“We all grow as a team for what we lived in the past so we don’t want to live this again. We’re trying to grow and the process is there so we’re really happy.”