Manchester City midfielder Rodri
(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Man City star Rodri makes Real Madrid transfer truth clear after Neymar response

by · Manchester Evening News

Rodri has admitted that he always will 'pay attention' to a Real Madrid call despite the Spanish side not wanting the midfielder.

The relationship between the Manchester City midfielder and Los Blancos has taken some turns as of late. Ever since Rodri won the Ballon d'Or, beating Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, there has been tension between the two parties.

The latest drama arose from a radio appearance that Rodri made in Spain. He gave the young Brazilian winger some words of advice regarding where his focus should be and areas of improvement.

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Some of Vinicius Jr's friends, such as national teammate Neymar, didn't like Rodri's comments, posting on social media: "He became a talker now." Speculation around a potential move to Madrid comes from two key factors - the first is Rodri only having two years left on his contract.

The second is the hole that Madrid will feel they have in midfield ever since the departure of Toni Kroos. Rodri will spend this year on the sidelines due to an ACL injury, but he still believes it's soon time to discuss his future.

He said on Cadena SER: "I have two years left on my contract, the time is approaching to sit down and speak again. It's clear that [Pep Guariola's contract extension] is an important incentive. I feel very valued at the club. For the time being, I'm very happy."

Rodri went off injured against Arsenal in September
(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

The Spanish midfielder did admit that Madrid had not congratulated him on his Ballon d'Or. However, he then went on to say that if the Champions League giants did call him, he would certainly listen.

He continued: "Obviously when Madrid, the best and most successful club in history, calls you, it is an honour. You always have to pay attention."

City fans needn't fear, however, as the midfielder ended with the a hint of him staying at the Premier League champions. He said: "I don't look too far ahead but it's a possibility that I could perfectly end my career in England."

Whilst Rodri has been recovering from his injury, City have been dealing with their own pain. The treble-winners have now not won in their last six games, including a run five straight defeats before the draw against Feyenoord.

Guardiola will be hoping that the clash against Liverpool on Sunday will fuel the team with the energy they need. A win against the league leaders will surely revitalise the squad.