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Manchester City’s Rodri targets return from ACL injury this season

Umito November 13, 2024

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is aiming for a return to action before the end of the 2024-25 season.

Rodri was expected to miss the rest of the campaign with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage to his right knee, which he suffered in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September.

But when asked during an interview with a Spanish radio Cadena Cope on whether he will be back this season, Rodri said: “Yes, yes. Also, the seasons are longer now, the Club World Cup ends on July 13. I want to take on this mental challenge.

The 28-year-old’s future was also on the agenda, with City having been offered a new contract before his injury, while Real Madrid followed his situation. Asked about a possible return to Spanish football, he said City “was my home”.

After revealing he was told when signing for City in 2019 that Pep Guardiola would soon leave, only to stay due to his own ambition, Rodri said the manager’s decision would have no bearing on his future. Guardiola’s contract will expire at the end of this season.

“You want to be surrounded by the best and there will be a before and an after Pep,” Rodri said. “When he is gone, things will change but City will continue to be City.”

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He added: “I like to live in the present and I have a contract with my club, I am very happy there. Closing or opening doors makes no sense. I am always passionate about the Spanish championship but the English championship is special. It’s a club where I feel very comfortable. I would have to think a lot before leaving.

Rodri won the Ballon d’Or at the end of October in recognition of his contribution to City and Spainalthough the evening was somewhat overshadowed by Real Madrid’s decision not to attend in protest at Vinicius Junior not winning the award.

Vinicius Jr is yet to congratulate Rodri on his triumph, instead promising to put in 10 times more effort to win it himself in the future, but the Spaniard says Madrid’s reaction doesn’t bother him.

“All the Spanish clubs should congratulate me and they didn’t,” he said. “I care about my family and my club. They must have their reasons; I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going back to it. The mistake is to give so much attention to a club that has not decided to participate.

Rodri himself was caught up in controversy when a video emerged showing him singing “Ciao Vinicius” at a celebratory dinner after winning the award, but he shrugged it off.

“People need to understand that it’s a healthy sporting act, it’s a private party. If we put a camera in each of our houses… I didn’t disrespect anyone, it’s just another rivalry. I respect Vinicius.