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Rodri has fired back at critics of his recent remarks regarding a potential move to Real Madrid, urging detractors to listen to the full interview before drawing conclusions.
The Manchester City midfielder has been heavily linked with a switch to Madrid for some time, and appeared to accelerate speculation earlier this week by stating that his Atlético Madrid background would not prevent him from joining Los Blancos.
"You can't turn down one of the world's best clubs," he said. "Real Madrid is always Real Madrid. The door is not closed."
As expected, Rodri's statements generated significant media buzz, with many City supporters frustrated to see such a key player openly entertaining interest from the side that recently knocked them out of the Champions League.
Rodri, however, was unfazed, arguing that his words had been taken out of context and exaggerated.
"I'm used to it," he laughed in the mixed zone following Spain's 3–0 victory over Serbia. "If, out of a 50-minute interview, they cut out whatever they want ... in the end, I don't have much more to say.
"I'm someone who speaks plainly. The interview is there if you want to hear it in full ... and not just selected snippets."
Will Real Madrid Sign Rodri This Summer?
Real Madrid's need for a new midfield orchestrator is well documented. The exits of legendary figures Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos have taken their toll on the squad and, after coming up short in finding an adequate replacement last summer, the club is widely expected to address the issue this transfer window.
Rodri stands out as an undeniable elite option and arguably the safest bet available to Madrid, with some supporters expressing concern over reported interest in younger prospects such as Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton or AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit. Rodri is a seasoned campaigner who also brings the added benefit of La Liga familiarity.
However, Rodri comes with a notable concern—his recent fitness issues. An ACL injury sustained at the beginning of last season left the Spain international struggling to rediscover his best form, and reports indicate that Madrid's hierarchy remain unconvinced that he has fully returned to the standard that earned him the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
The salary demands required to secure Rodri would be considerable, especially when weighed against alternative targets, meaning Madrid will only pursue the midfielder if they are fully satisfied with his physical condition. On the positive side for Los Blancos, his transfer fee may be relatively modest given that Rodri has just 12 months remaining on his current deal.
Other high-profile options such as Chelsea's Enzo Fernández and Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister offer greater reassurance in terms of fitness, but both would require enormous transfer fees—the kind Madrid have largely avoided spending in recent years.
Reports from Spain indicate that Madrid plan to monitor Rodri closely throughout this summer's World Cup. Should he look fully restored to his peak, a formal offer could arrive once the tournament wraps up.