LaLiga: I’m sad – Fermin Lopez on Rodri taking his number 16 Barcelona shirt

Spain midfielder Rodri expressed his dream of playing for Barcelona after arriving in the city to finalize his transfer from Manchester City. The Spanish champions agreed to pay City approximately £65 million for the 30-year-old, who will sign a four-year contract with Barcelona. Upon his arrival at the airport on Monday, Rodri told journalists that playing for FC Barcelona is a dream come true and he is eager to join his team-mates.

Many of whom he already knows from the national team. Rodri emphasized his intention to focus on winning the Champions League and any other accolades that come his way with Barcelona. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner made 298 appearances in seven trophy-laden seasons at City, having joined them from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then-record £62.8 million.

Rodri missed a significant portion of the 2024-25 season due to a serious knee injury and some issues with a hamstring, but he returned to his best form at the 2024 World Cup, leading Spain to their second title and earning player of the tournament honors. At City, Rodri collected 12 major titles, including four Premier League championships, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League in 2022-23.

Earlier this week, Manchester City rejected Barcelona's initial £38.5 million offer for Rodri, who was nearing the end of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. Prior to this move, Real Madrid had been considered a potential destination for Rodri, but Barcelona stepped up their efforts to secure his signing in recent days.