ICYMI: Rodri says “I’m planning to play this season” as he explains why returning to City isn’t his priority right now. Apparently, he admitted that he’s been happy with his contract at City so far.
Picture this: Rodri is not planning on closing the doors at Man City. He, however, admitted that he likes to live in the moment and most especially, he wants to recover from his injury first before deciding his next move.
On the news: Manchester City midfielder and Ballon d’Or says he has set himself a challenge to return from injury. Rodri is looking forward to returning to action for City before the end of the season.
Reports from World Beaters confirm that the midfielder has been recovering quite well in the past week and now, he is planning to play for City in the upcoming games.
Recall: Rodri sustained what looked to be a season-ending ACL injury in City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September and underwent surgery on his knee.
Speaking to the Spanish show COPE on Monday, about his target to return to the games, Rodri was quoted as saying in part:
“I’m aiming to play this season.’
‘Now the seasons are getting longer and the Club World Cup ends on 13 July. I have in mind to return this year, as a challenge.’
‘I’ve already started walking, and I feel better mentally than I thought I would.”
Keep this in mind: The Premier League 2024/25 season ends on Sunday 25 May 2025, and Man City could potentially be involved in the UEFA Champions League final at the Allianz Arena, in Germany, six days later.
Moreover: The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup would take place in the United States, a few days after the games at Allianz Arena, in Germany; between 15 June and 13 July.
His ordeal with injury: Rodri was on crutches when he collected his Ballon d’Or award last month, making a record for being the first Man City player to not play in the greater chunk of the season after winning the Ballon d’Or award.
There’s even more: Rodri also spoke about his thoughts on why he beat Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr to the honor. Apparently, it was because of his consistency and work rate at the games. Now, he’s quoted as saying:
“I won because of consistency, which is the hardest thing in football,” he added. “I was the most consistent player this season.
‘I never thought I could repeat a season (2023/24) like the one I had last year (2022/23).”
On his contract with Man City: Rodri, who is targeting to return to the games before the season is over, reiterated that his contract is due in the summer of 2027. But, he did confirm that renewing with City isn’t his priority now.
“Renewing with City isn’t my priority right now. I want to recover and we’ll see what happens.
‘I like to live in the present. I have a contract with City and I’m very, very happy there. I’m not closing any doors.”
