Barcelona complete signing of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri from Manchester City

Spain World Cup winner Rodri says he is ready to “feel that excitement again” after completing his move to Barcelona from Manchester City.

The 30-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Barcelona after the Spanish club agreed a fee of about £65m for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.

The move marks Rodri’s return to Spanish football for the first time since leaving Atletico Madrid in 2019.

“I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career. It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again,” Rodri said.

“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 also welcomed the opportunity to work under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, saying the German’s approach would offer him a new experience.

“I’m happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It’s 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,” he said.

Rodri leaves Manchester City after seven seasons, during which he made 298 appearances and won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2023.

His final two seasons at City were disrupted by injuries, but he returned to top form at this summer’s World Cup, where he was named player of the tournament as Spain lifted the trophy for a second time.

In a farewell message to City supporters, Rodri said he was leaving with pride in what the club had achieved during his time there.

“I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories,” he said.

“What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable.

“City didn’t just make me grow as a player. They made me grow as a human. I saw my brother graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS. Manchester shaped my whole life.”