Pep Guardiola has stated that Manchester City will not impede Rodri should he wish to transfer to Real Madrid. He emphasized that he will not emulate Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, who suspended a player for not dismissing rumors of a transfer to the Spanish club.
Rosenior announced on Friday that Enzo Fernández will miss Chelsea’s next two matches following remarks made during the international break regarding a possible transfer to Santiago Bernabeu, which he described as crossing a line.
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Rodri had expressed a similar sentiment, stating that one “can’t rule out the best clubs in the world” when discussing the possibility of joining Real Madrid during a recent interview in Spain.
Guardiola affirmed that Rodri would be available to play for City and, while he hopes the midfielder will remain at the Etihad, he understands the appeal of moving to the Spanish capital.
“What Chelsea has done is Chelsea,” Guardiola remarked when asked if Rodri would face a suspension like Fernández did.
“There isn’t a player who would turn down the chance to play for Madrid; he was born in Spain.”
“My wish is for Rodri to stay at this club for as long as possible because he is an incredible top player. However, each person’s life is their own.
“The organization of the club comes before all of us. If a player is unhappy, they need to leave. The ideal scenario is for players to remain if they are content, and I believe he is content.”
“If he is not, he should simply approach the sporting director, and we will accept an offer that reflects his extraordinary quality, and then he would no longer be part of the club – only himself.”
Rodri will enter the final year of his contract this summer, with his current deal set to conclude in 2027.
City is eager to negotiate a new deal with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, and Guardiola insists that discussions are a priority for director of football Hugo Viana.
“I know what the club desires,” Guardiola said.
“They have informed me that their intention for Rodri is to keep him.”
“I believe [Rodri wants to stay]. I have always had a positive feeling about that, but ultimately, I cannot know for sure.”