Rodri joins La Liga champions Barcelona from Manchester City

Spain's World Cup-winning captain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has completed his move to La Liga champions Barcelona. The 30-year-old has signed a deal that will keep him at the Catalan club until 2030, ending one of the longest transfer sagas of the summer. Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that they had reached an agreement with Manchester City on Sunday, agreeing to a transfer fee of up to €76.5 million, including bonuses. Rodri arrived in Barcelona the following day to negotiate personal terms with his new club.

Speaking after his unveiling, Rodri expressed his excitement about the new stage in his career, stating that he felt the excitement again after seven trophy-laden years at Manchester City. The former Atletico Madrid and Villarreal player had been linked with a move to Real Madrid before opting for Barcelona. Despite Barcelona's recent dominance in La Liga, they have not won the Champions League since 2015, and Rodri is eager to help the club achieve the biggest trophy in European club football.

Rodri will join a Camp Nou dressing room filled with familiar faces from his successful stints with Spain, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Dani Olmo. He will also be teaming up with new Barcelona signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. Pep Guardiola's long-time assistant Hansi Flick will be Rodri's new coach at Barcelona. The Spanish midfielder believes Flick's unique style will be enriching and help him grow as a player.

Rodri expressed his gratitude for the memories he made at Manchester City and stated that leaving the club will be a bittersweet experience.