Barcelona confirms signing of Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City

Rodri, who had one year left on his City contract, said upon arriving in Barcelona on Monday that it was “a dream to play” for the Catalan club.

“Very happy to arrive,” he told reporters briefly after arriving. “For me it’s a dream to play for Barcelona. I’m excited about being with my teammates, many of them I already know. Now it’s time to get to work and give my best.”

Real Madrid was also reportedly interested in signing Rodri at first — and the midfielder had loudly praised Barcelona’s rival in the past — but Spanish media said no agreement could be reached.

Barcelona, chasing a three-peat in La Liga, has already boosted its squad with England forward Anthony Gordon, who will help to make up for the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in extra time in the World Cup final against Argentina.

The club is also set to add defender João Cancelo.

Rodri won the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s best player and was crucial for Spain’s title-winning campaign.

Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019. He scored the winning goal in the Champions League final victory over Inter Milan in 2023, and won the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player the following year after being part of Spain’s European Championship-winning team.

His departure further weakens City’s midfield, with Bernardo Silva having left for Real Madrid this offseason.

Rodri did not play on Sunday in City’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield. He was recovering from minor back surgery he underwent after the World Cup.

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Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press

by The Canadian Press

Barcelona confirms signing of Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City

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