Rodri signed a four-year contract with Barcelona for around £65m after passing his medical.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Spanish midfielder Rodri has completed a move from Premier League side Manchester City to Spanish outfit Barcelona, claiming he is ready to “feel that excitement again”.
The deal was announced on Tuesday via a statement issued by the La Liga champions on their website.
According to Barça, the 30-year-old signed a contract that will run until 2030, following one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer.
Rodri, who returns to Spanish football for the first time since leaving Atlético Madrid in 2019, signed after Barcelona agreed to pay a fee in the region of £65m.
Speaking after completing the move, the Spain World Cup winner said: “I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career. It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again.”
ALSO READ: Fermín López hails Rodri, expresses sadness over losing Barça jersey number to Spain captain
Rodri added: “I’ve come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I’ll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season.”
On the prospect of playing under German tactician Hansi Flick, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner said: “I’m happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It’s a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player.”
Rodri wore City’s shirt for seven seasons, making 298 appearances in all competitions and scoring 32 goals.
During that period, the Spanish captain won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League in 2023.
However, his final two seasons at the club were disrupted by injury, but he returned to his best form at this summer’s World Cup.
