'Historic Official Transfer': World's Best Midfielder Rodri Signs 4-Year Deal with Barcelona, Vows to Win Every Trophy

*This content was translated by AI.

This is a historic transfer. Ballon d'Or winner and Spain national team midfield commander Rodri (30) has left Manchester City to don the jersey of FC Barcelona, a prestigious club in Spain's La Liga.

On the 19th (Korea time), Barcelona officially announced via its club website that "a final agreement has been reached with Manchester City regarding Rodri's transfer," stating that "Rodri has signed a four-year contract until June 30, 2030."

The club introduced Rodri as follows: "Rodri, a Spanish national team midfielder born in Madrid, is regarded as one of the world's best players. He possesses exceptional tactical intelligence, composed ball retention, ability to win back possession, and sophisticated passing skills. Despite being a defensive midfielder, he has the ability to join attacks at crucial moments and score goals, along with outstanding professionalism, humility, and dedicated mental strength."

Through the club, Rodri expressed his ambitions: "I am very happy and excited to embark on a new chapter in my career. It is a completely new challenge—an opportunity to gain new experiences and feel excitement once again. I came here to win every trophy, including the Champions League. Barcelona is a club with tremendous ambition that perfectly matches my style. I will do everything possible to help achieve this season's goals."

Regarding his reunion with Pedri, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Joan García, and Lamine Yamal, all of whom won the World Cup together on the Spain national team, Rodri smiled and said, "Joining a squad I already know perfectly will greatly help my adaptation. However, I am slightly worried about the mischievous pranks my teammates might play on me over the next few days."

On playing under manager Hansi Flick, Rodri stated, "I am delighted to be working with an excellent manager who will greatly benefit my career. Since his style of football is different from what I have experienced before, it will serve as a catalyst for further growth as a player. It is an honor to join Barcelona. I will pour 100% of everything I have into this club."

Born in 1996, Rodri came through Atlético Madrid's youth system and made his senior debut at Villarreal, where he stood out in Spain's top division. Thanks to his impressive performances, he returned to Atlético in 2018 and played as a key midfielder under manager Diego Simeone before moving to Manchester City in the summer of 2019, making his mark on English football.

At Manchester City, Rodri served as an indispensable engine under former manager Pep Guardiola. Based on his consistent performances and leadership, he led the club to numerous English Premier League (EPL) titles and FA Cup championships. Notably, in the 2023 UEFA Champions League (UCL) final, he scored the decisive goal that secured Manchester City's first-ever treble, cementing his status as a central figure in that historic achievement.

He also left an indelible mark with the Spain national team. Leading Spain to victory at Euro 2024 elevated him to the ranks of the world's best players, and he was awarded the Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual honor, that same year. He then helped lead Spain to World Cup victory at the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup alongside eight Barcelona teammates, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

This transfer came after an intense tug-of-war between the two clubs. Previously, British media outlet 'The Standard' reported that "Barcelona's initial offer of £38.6 million (approximately 740 billion won) for Rodri was rejected by Manchester City," and that "Manchester City maintained its stance that it would not even engage in formal negotiations over an amount far below £68.5 million (approximately 131.5 billion won)."

However, Rodri's strong desire to join Barcelona shifted the dynamics. Although there were initial rumors suggesting a possible move to Real Madrid, Rodri insisted exclusively on joining Barcelona and strongly conveyed his intentions to Manchester City.

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*This content was translated by AI.