“Leaving Manchester City has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life” — Rodri pens emotional farewell after Barcelona move

Rodri has said leaving Manchester City has been one of the most difficult decisions of his life.

The Spain midfielder has penned a farewell message to Manchester City after completing his £65.4m transfer toBarcelona.

The 30-year-old leaves the Cityzens after a glittering career with the club, in which he won fourPremier League titles and the Champions League among his honours.

His instrumental role in the club’s modern success included the winning goal in the 2023Champions League final against Inter Milan, as City were crowned European champions for the first time.

On a personal level, Rodri was named winner of the 2024 Ballon d’OR, becoming only the third Premier League player to win the award, after Michael Owen and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a goodbye message, Rodri said his time in Manchester has ‘shaped his whole life’.

“Dear City fans, I found that saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things in life but I am going to try,” he toldmanycity.com.

“It’s hard to find the words to express how much gratitude, love and support me and my family have experienced all these years.

“I remember how I felt when I arrived, signing for the big Manchester City. It was a moment of pure excitement – ‘wow I am going to play with Kevin, Aguero, Silva, Bernardo, John and many others.’ I couldn’t stop smiling.

“And then Pep, waiting to teach me everything from day one. Pep I can tell you now, I couldn’t handle all those tactics in my head.

“But a question came to me, ‘could we handle all these expectations for the next years.’ I think that time answered the question.

“I knew I came into a top team but I never thought we could be able to create the legacy we made winning trophies, fans around the world, love and respect. We made an example to inspire the next generations not only because the success, also because the way we did it. And the fans were with us every step of the way.

“Many incredible moments come to my mind. My first trophy at City, in my first game. The last minute winners, like Arsenal away. Scoring in the Villa game to reach the Premier League, when it looked so tough. Scoring the goal to win the Champions League that we all wanted so much.

“The incredible reception you gave me after the Ballon d’Or. You cannot imagine how proud I am to be the first player to win this award in a sky blue shirt.

“Making history, with the Treble, with Four in a Row. We saw things they’ll never see.

“And in the bad moments, also, you never let me down. My first day back on the pitch I realised how much you love me and I understood how special these fans were.

“City didn’t just make me a 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.

“I will never forget stepping onto the pitch, seeing a sea of blue singing ‘nah, nah, nah, nah…CITY’, taking my scooter into town for a coffee, walking through the parks listening to Oasis and always loving Manchester’s great rain.

“So City fans, it’s time to say goodbye, thank you for the club, the fans, the staff and my teammates. This journey couldn’t be the same without you, my heart will always be Blue.”