Manchester City midfielder Rodri has delivered an emotional farewell message to the club’s supporters, reflecting on an extraordinary chapter of his career and expressing deep gratitude for the love and support he received during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to City fans, the Spanish midfielder admitted that saying goodbye was among the most difficult things he had ever faced, while acknowledging the profound impact the club and the city of Manchester had on both his football career and personal life.
Rodri recalled the excitement he felt when he joined Manchester City, describing his arrival as a dream moment in which he looked forward to playing alongside some of the club’s biggest stars, including Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Bernardo Silva and John Stones.
He also paid tribute to manager Pep Guardiola, who he said was ready from his first day at the club to teach him everything about the game.
Rodri jokingly recalled struggling to absorb Guardiola’s tactical instructions, but said the experience ultimately helped transform him into a better footballer.
The midfielder reflected on the expectations surrounding City when he arrived and the remarkable success that followed.
According to Rodri, he knew he was joining a top club, but never imagined that he and his teammates would go on to build such a powerful legacy through trophies, consistency, attractive football and the respect of supporters around the world.
Among the defining moments of his City career, Rodri highlighted winning his first trophy with the club, dramatic late victories, scoring against Aston Villa in the Premier League title race and, most significantly, scoring the winning goal in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan.
That goal secured Manchester City’s first Champions League title and completed a historic Treble under Guardiola.
Rodri also recalled the club’s unprecedented Premier League achievement of winning four consecutive league titles, describing the period as one in which City created history that future generations would struggle to replicate.
Another special memory for the midfielder was the reception he received from supporters after winning the Ballon d’Or.
Rodri became the first Manchester City player to win football’s most prestigious individual award, an achievement he described as a source of immense pride.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner also acknowledged the support he received during difficult periods, particularly when injuries kept him away from the pitch.
He said returning to action and immediately feeling the affection of the supporters made him realise just how special Manchester City’s fan base was.
Beyond football, Rodri said Manchester became an important part of his life.
He explained that his years at the club allowed him to grow not only as a footballer but also as a person, while his family also established important connections with the city.
He recalled seeing his brother graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University and his girlfriend working for the National Health Service, highlighting how deeply Manchester became connected to his personal journey.
The Spanish midfielder also remembered the simple moments away from football — riding his scooter into the city for coffee, walking through Manchester’s parks, listening to Oasis and even developing an affection for the city’s famously rainy weather.
As he brought his message to an end, Rodri thanked Manchester City, the supporters, staff members and his teammates for making his journey unforgettable.
He stressed that his time at the club would always hold a special place in his heart.
“City fans, it’s time to say goodbye,” Rodri wrote, before expressing his appreciation to everyone who played a role in his journey.
He concluded with a powerful declaration of his lasting connection to the club: “My heart will always be Blue.”
Rodri’s farewell comes after a hugely successful spell at Manchester City, during which he established himself as one of the most influential midfielders in world football and played a central role in one of the most dominant eras in the club’s history.
His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter defined by Premier League titles, domestic trophies, the historic Treble, the Champions League triumph and individual recognition at the highest level of the game.
