Rodri's Farewell: Manchester Shaped My Entire Life

Spanish midfielder Rodri has addressed Manchester City fans with an emotional video message regarding his transfer to Barcelona. In it, he expresses his gratitude and shares his most cherished memories from his seven-year tenure at the Etihad, where he played 298 matches and won 13 trophies. Here's what he had to say:

“Dear City fans, I've found that goodbyes are one of the hardest things in life, but I'll try. It's difficult to find words to express how much gratitude, love, and support my family and I have received throughout all these years. I remember how I felt when I arrived, signing with the great Manchester City. It was a moment of pure excitement: 'Wow, I'm going to play with Kevin, Agüero, Silva, Bernardo, John, and many others.' I couldn't stop smiling. And then Pep, who was waiting to teach me everything from day one. Pep, I can tell you now, I couldn't fit all those tactics into my head.”

But a question arose in my mind: “Will we be able to meet all these expectations in the coming years?” I think time has answered that question. I knew I was joining a top team, but I never imagined we would create the legacy we left behind – the trophies won, the fans worldwide, the love and respect. We set an example to inspire future generations, not just because of the success, but because of how we achieved it. And the fans were with us every step of the way.

“Many incredible moments come to mind. My first trophy with City, in my very first game. Last-minute goals, like the one against Arsenal away. The goal against Villa that won us the Premier League when it seemed so difficult. The goal to win the Champions League, which we all wanted so much. The incredible reception you gave me after the Ballon d'Or. You can't imagine how proud I am to be the first player to win that award in a sky-blue shirt. Writing history with the treble, with four consecutive titles. We saw things they will never see.”

“And in the bad times, you never let me down. On my first day back on the pitch, I realized how much you loved me and understood how special these fans are. City didn't just build me as a player. It also built me as a person. I saw my brother graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. I saw my girlfriend working for the National Health Service. Manchester shaped my entire life.”

“I will never forget walking onto the pitch, seeing a sea of blue singing 'na, na, na, na… CITY,' riding my scooter around the city for coffee, walking through the parks listening to Oasis, and Manchester's eternally great rain. So, City fans, it's time to say goodbye. Thank you to the club, the fans, the staff, and my teammates. This journey wouldn't have been the same without you; my heart will always be blue.”