“No player would turn down Real Madrid” – Pep Guardiola reveals his one wish for Rodri amid transfer uncertainty | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he will not speak to Rodri about his controversial radio interview opening the door to joining Real Madrid.

Rodri set off alarm bells among the City fanbase in the recent international break after admitting he could not close the door on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in an appearance on Spanish radio station Onda Cero – sparking a significant response from within the Etihad Stadium.

The 29-year-old midfielder is approaching the final year of his current deal at Manchester City and is yet to agree terms on a new contract with the Blues, who are understood to have tabled a formal offer to the Spain international in recent weeks.

Guardiola: No player would turn down Real Madrid

Speaking in a press conference in the days leading to Manchester City’s 4-0 battering of Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, Guardiola was asked whether he would sit down with Rodri to address the interview.

“No, no, what Chelsea has done (regarding Enzo Fernandez) is Chelsea,” he said. “There is not one player I would think that will turn down the chance to play, you know, (for) Madrid and I understand completely, he was born in Spain.

“No, always my wish, my wish, is that Rodri could stay as much longer as possible in this club because he’s an incredible player, a top player, but life for everyone is everyone.

“So I know he has proved for many, many years how attached and how close they are in this club, the contribution in this club has been massive. Now I had the feeling that the last one or two games, he’s really, really back for a long, long period and this is only (thing about which) I’m concerned.”

What is the context for Rodri’s future?

Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has since established himself as arguably the finest holding midfielder in world football, becoming the first player in the club’s history to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024.

The midfielder subsequently clarified his Onda Cero interview, insisting his remarks had been taken out of context by those who had only listened to snippets on social media rather than the interview in full.

Real Madrid are believed to be monitoring his contract situation closely, though reports suggest their interest has somewhat cooled following one particular performance.

City officials are planning for next season with the expectation that Rodri will remain, though they are equally prepared to cash in should he ultimately push for a summer exit – rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in 2027.

The Madrid-born star is understood to harbour a desire to return to his hometown as he enters the latter stages of his professional career. For now, though, his manager’s focus remains squarely on getting the best out of him on the pitch.