Rodri makes staggering admission over Manchester City future following injury | OneFootball

Manchester City superstar Rodri has made a remarkable admission over his future at both the Etihad Stadium and within the game as a whole this week.

The Spaniard continues to be at the centre of attention, not only because of his ongoing recovery from the knee and groin setbacks that have limited availability, but also due to persistent links with Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola and Etihad Stadium officials have, in the meantime, moved to reinforce their commitment to Rodri’s long-term role at the club. Talks are believed to be in progress over a new contract extension that could tie him down until 2030 and placing him as the second-highest earner in the squad.

Guardiola has repeatedly referred to Rodri as “the best player in the world”, in large part due to his Ballon d’Or triumph of 2024, and the heartbeat of his team, making his full recovery from injury one of the manager’s top priorities.

The 29-year-old’s rehabilitation has been carefully managed across the summer, with reports varying from optimistic updates that he was “so close” to returning, to cautionary claims from journalists that it may take months for him to rediscover peak performance.

That uncertainty has only heightened the intrigue around Rodri’s current condition as he heads off for international duties with Spain this week and next, as well as his mindset heading deeper into the new campaign.

Speaking this week as part of a wide-ranging interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Rodri opened up on the impact of last season’s serious knee injury, insisting upon his belief that it could actually prolong his career in football.

“I think this, the injury, is going to lengthen my sports career because, like it or not, I’ve been giving my legs and my body a break for a year now… Obviously, nobody wants an injury like that, but that’s the positive side,” the Spain international explained.

“I still consider myself young; we’ll see how I evolve. I see myself a little past halfway of my career. In the end, there’s also a genetic factor. I’m a very old guy. What do I know? I see [Luka] Modric at 40, and it’s unimaginable I could be at the level Modric is at at 40,” he continued.

“In any case, I think this injury will help extend my sporting career… When I got injured, I thought I’d be able to rest. No, I’ve worked harder than ever in my career!

“Two or three sessions a day. I only did nothing for the first two or three weeks, but then started moving my knee, two or three sessions at the gym, strength.”

Rodri’s comments reflect both his resilience and determination to maintain elite standards despite setbacks, and they may reassure Manchester City fans that the midfielder is approaching the next chapter of his career with a fresh perspective.

His words also highlight the physical and psychological battles elite players face, with the Spaniard determined to turn adversity into longevity. Looking ahead, City remain confident that Rodri’s return to form will coincide with the sealing of his new contract.

Should he rediscover his rhythm in the coming weeks, Pep Guardiola’s side will not only regain their midfield general but also secure his presence at the Etihad Stadium for the long-term, despite admiration and public pleas from figures such as Dani Carvajal at Real Madrid.

For now, supporters can take encouragement that the injury Rodri endured may ultimately serve as a platform for an extended career, ensuring he remains central to Manchester City’s ambitions well into the next decade.