Rodri: Spanish media react to Man City star’s 114-touch display vs Serbia

Rodri has endured a tumultuous week at Manchester City, but he was in fine form for Spain on Friday as they beat Serbia.

In quotes released this week, the midfielder admitted that he would like to return to Spain after leaving the Premier League.

The 29-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his contract, even said that a move to Real Madrid is not a closed door in a controversial interview that has prompted anger among Man City fans.

Rodri has started to return to the form he showed before the ACL injury he suffered in 2024, and his performance against Serbia on Friday was another testament to his comeback.

The Man City midfielder was replaced late in the game, which was won 3-0 via goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Victor Munoz.

Spanish media laud ‘catalyst’ Rodri

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last week that Rodri could join Real Madrid this summer.

The midfielder’s quotes have prompted uncertainty around his future, particularly with the mounting rumours that Pep Guardiola will step away from the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Rodri is certainly capable of performing in La Liga, as his performance on Friday night made clear.

Just as he did at Wembley on Sunday as Man City beat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, the 29-year-old provided the hub for everything Spain did well.

In just 77 minutes, Rodri completed a staggering 99 passes, taking 114 touches of the ball as he constantly appeared in midfield.

And the Spaniard was a wall defensively, too, making two clearances and completing five recoveries.

Spanish outlet SPORT rated Rodri’s performance as a 6/10 and described him as a “catalyst”. “Every ball that passes through his boots ends up being better,” Ivan San Antonio added.

“He plays intelligently and acts as the conductor of an orchestra, setting the pace required for each moment and circumstance.”

Rodri’s future could depend on Pep Guardiola

Guardiola brought Rodri to Man City in 2019, and has made no secret of his love for the midfielder in the years since.

This summer will mark seven years since the 29-year-old arrived at the Etihad Stadium, although fans will have to wait to see if he will see out an eighth.

Guardiola’s future may well be the deciding point for Rodri, with the legendary manager yet to clarify his intentions.

The rumours are that the Spaniard will walk away from management as a whole, and Rodri could be set to follow him out of the door.

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