Barcelona has completed the biggest transfer of this summer, signing Rodri from Manchester City!

The captain of the Spanish national team said goodbye to the club he’s played for over the past five years, with which he made history by winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, 3 League Cups, and the 2023 Champions League, opening up in a video posted by City on social media.

As he said “goodbye,” Rodri emphasized that he is proud of the legacy he built alongside his teammates and coaching staff, while making it clear that City and its fans will always be in his heart.

Rodri’s message:

“I remember how I felt when I arrived, signing with the great Manchester City. It was a moment of pure excitement— ‘Wow, I’m going to play alongside Kevin, Agüero, Silva, Bernardo, John, and so many others.’ I couldn’t stop smiling. And then there was Pep, ready to teach me everything from day one. Pep, I can tell you this now: I couldn’t process all those tactics in my head.

But one question crossed my mind: “Could we live up to all these expectations for the years to come?” I think time has provided the answer. I knew I was joining a top-tier team, but I never imagined we could build the legacy we’ve built, winning trophies, gaining fans all over the world, and earning love and respect. We became a role model and a source of inspiration for future generations, not only because of our successes, but also because of the way we achieved them. And the fans were with us every step of the way.

So many incredible moments come to mind. My first trophy with City, in my very first game. The last-minute winning goals, like the one away against Arsenal. The goal against Aston Villa that sealed the Premier League title for us, when everything seemed so difficult. The goal I scored to win the Champions League, which we all wanted so badly. The incredible welcome you gave me after the Ballon d’Or. You can’t imagine how proud I am to have become the first player to win this award while wearing the sky-blue jersey. We made history—with the Treble, with four consecutive league titles. We saw things they’ll never see.

And even in the tough times, you never abandoned me. The first day I returned to the field, I realized just how much you love me, and I understood how special these fans are. City didn’t just help me grow as a soccer player. It helped me grow as a person, too. I watched my brother graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. I watched my girlfriend work for the NHS. Manchester has shaped my entire life.

I’ll never forget stepping onto the field and seeing a sea of blue chanting “nah, nah, nah, nah… CITY,” hopping on my scooter and heading downtown for a coffee, walking through the parks listening to Oasis, and always loving Manchester’s wonderful rain.

So, City fans, it’s time to say goodbye. I want to thank the club, the fans, the staff, and my teammates. This journey wouldn’t have been the same without you. My heart will always be sky blue.”

A personal message from Rodri. pic.twitter.com/CAYWYDzhK7

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 18, 2026