Rodri is aiming for a return this season, despite the Manchester City midfielder initially being ruled out until next year due to a severe knee injury. The Spaniard sustained ACL ligament damage during September's 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. Following surgery, City announced he would not be available until the next season. However, the 28-year-old revealed on The Rest Is Football Podcast that he hopes to play again this year. "My goal is to come back this season," Rodri said. "In terms of my mindset, it's crucial for me to not abandon the season. I don't want to rush – I don't want to make errors. But that's my mentality. I'm not sure when – my target is six to seven months, but the physiotherapists will determine that."
Rodri became Spain's second Ballon d'Or winner in October. This decision led Real Madrid to boycott the ceremony in Paris, as they believed their forward Vinícius Júnior should have won the award. Rodri commented, "It's a choice made by individuals or clubs in general. I can't respect the decision, as I always said I wouldn't do it the same way – I recall last year when Erling [Haaland] was close to winning it. I wanted to be there to support him with the rest of the club. Even though Leo [Messi] won it, we were there applauding him because the Ballon d'Or is a recognition not just for a player, but for a year, for a level of performance over a whole year. So in sports and life, it's important to win. But I think it's even more important to lose with respect."
"I always say the same: 'It was my moment, I didn't want to talk about others. They didn't want to be there [it's up to them].' I want to be with my club, my family, the people who were there and clapped for me. That was a fantastic moment."
Currently, Rodri does not envision becoming a coach after retirement. "At the moment, I'd say no. I see Pep, I see other coaches, and they have the same lifestyle we have in terms of travel, often being away. I'm not sure if I want that for my next phase of life. At the moment, no, I always said, I see [City sporting director] Txiki's [Begiristain] face and I like it more. He looks cleaner and more relaxed."
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