Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Rodri said he was ready to “feel that excitement again” after completing his move to Barcelona from Manchester City on Tuesday.
The La Liga champions confirmed on their website that the 30-year-old midfielder had signed a contract through 2030, bringing an end to one of the summer’s longest-running transfer sagas.
After two rejected bids, Barcelona and Manchester City reached an agreement on Sunday. A source at the Premier League club told AFP the deal could be worth up to 76.5 million euros ($88.6 million), including bonuses.
Rodri arrived in Barcelona the following day to finalise personal terms before being officially unveiled on Tuesday.
“I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career,” Rodri said at his presentation.
“It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again.”
Rodri spent seven trophy-laden years at City after joining from Atletico Madrid, having previously played for Villarreal. He had also been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but ultimately chose their arch-rivals.
The midfielder has battled injuries over the past two seasons but played a key role as Spain won their second World Cup in North America last month.
Barcelona have dominated La Liga in recent seasons but have not won the Champions League since 2015, when Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez led the club to a fifth European title.
“It’s a pleasure to be at Barca. I’ll give 100 percent of everything I have,” Rodri said.
“I’m here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League.
“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.”
Rodri will find several familiar faces in the Barcelona dressing room, including Spain teammates Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Dani Olmo, with whom he shared Euro 2024 and World Cup success.
He will also link up with new signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, who joined Barcelona earlier in the close season.
At City, Rodri was one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted players, helping the club win the 2023 Champions League, four Premier League titles and 12 major trophies overall.
He said he expected Barcelona coach Hansi Flick to bring a new dimension to his game.
“(Flick has) 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 said.
Reflecting on his departure from City, he added: “I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories.
“What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable.”
AFP
