Rodri has taken a parting swipe at Arsenal while reflecting on his seven-year spell at Manchester City following his move to Barcelona.
The Spain midfielder completed his transfer to Barcelona on Tuesday, August 18, joining the LaLiga champions on a four-year contract. The deal is worth about £65.4 million, according to reports.
The 30-year-old leaves Manchester City after making 298 appearances and winning 14 major trophies, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Rodri played a key role in several of City’s title battles with Arsenal, but one particular match stood out in his farewell message.
The midfielder recalled his stoppage-time winner against Arsenal at the Emirates in January 2022, when City secured a controversial 2-1 victory.
“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 (Aston) 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.”
Rodri’s reference to Arsenal comes after a period in which Manchester City and the Gunners became major rivals in the Premier League title race.
City finished above Arsenal in successive title races before Mikel Arteta’s side finally ended their wait for the Premier League trophy in May.
Rodri had previously criticised Arsenal’s mentality after City’s 2024 title triumph, making his latest reference to the Emirates encounter another reminder of the rivalry between the two sides.
Rodri explains Barcelona decision
Rodri’s move to Barcelona brings an end to his time in the Premier League and takes him back to Spain.
Barcelona beat competition from Real Madrid to secure the midfielder, who had attracted interest from their LaLiga rivals before choosing a move to Camp Nou. Reuters reported that Rodri’s new contract runs until June 2030.
Speaking during his Barcelona unveiling, Rodri explained why he chose the Catalan club despite having other options.
“Barcelona has always been a reference for me because of the values and the playing style here. It’s true I had another offer, but Barca was the first option and I told the board here that.”
He also admitted that leaving Manchester City was difficult after the success he enjoyed at the club.
“It was a tough decision. Firstly because I was leaving City, who gave me everything. I was really happy there and will always be grateful. I appreciate how they facilitated my exit.”
Barcelona chapter
Rodri now begins a new chapter under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, with the club expecting the experienced midfielder to strengthen its midfield and help it compete for major domestic and European honours.
His arrival also gives Barcelona one of the most decorated midfielders in world football. Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or and played a central role in City’s historic Treble, including scoring the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final.
Read more: Wayne Rooney urges Manchester United to sign one Arsenal player
The midfielder has now left Manchester City after seven successful seasons, but his battles with Arsenal will remain part of his Premier League legacy. His next meeting with the Gunners could come in the Champions League, where Barcelona and Arsenal could face each other.
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The Arsenal swipe in his farewell message says it all — that competitive edge never switched off, even on his way out. At £65.4m, Barcelona might have just got the bargain of the summer.
The £65.4m fee already looks like a steal for Barcelona, but Rodri using his farewell speech to take one last swipe at Arsenal is peak pettiness — you’ll be missed for that alone. Best of luck in LaLiga, just don’t expect the Emirates crowd to sing your name.
Interesting that Rodri still felt the need to take a shot at Arsenal in his goodbye message — clearly their pursuit left a mark. But at £65.4m, Barcelona are getting a proven winner who’ll slot straight into that midfield.
The “Arsenal swipe” in his farewell says it all — Rodri clearly sees Barcelona as the only real step up from City, and £65.4m for a player of his caliber feels like a bargain in this market.
That farewell swipe at Arsenal was classic Rodri — couldn’t leave Manchester without one last reminder of who owns the Premier League. £65.4m feels like a bargain for Barca given what he’s won, but City’s midfield is going to look very different without him.
Can’t say I’m surprised he took one last dig at Arsenal in his goodbye — that rivalry clearly meant more to him than he let on. Still, £65.4m for a player who’s been carrying that midfield for years feels like Barca got a bargain.
Interesting that even in his farewell message, Rodri couldn’t resist taking a dig at Arsenal — clearly that rivalry meant more to him than he let on. Best of luck at Barca, though.
The timing of that Arsenal dig is telling — he’s barely out the door and already taking a parting shot at the title race, as if the £65.4m move to Barca wasn’t enough of a statement.
Interesting that he chose his farewell moment to take a dig at Arsenal — that’s a bold exit line after four years at City. The £65.4m fee feels like a bargain for Barca given his trophy haul, but that emotional goodbye suggests this wasn’t an easy call.
Interesting that Rodri chose his farewell message to take a dig at Arsenal rather than just thanking City fans. Given how tight the last two title races were, that swipe feels a bit petty — but I suppose Barcelona money makes you bold.
Rodri’s four-year Barcelona move feels like a major turning point, especially after 298 appearances and 14 trophies with City. His pointed farewell reference to one particular match adds an intriguing edge to an otherwise emotional goodbye.
Rodri’s move to Barcelona for a reported £65.4 million feels like a major statement, especially after his emotional farewell and pointed Arsenal swipe. City will have a huge gap to fill in midfield.
Rodri’s emotional farewell adds extra weight to what is already a huge £65.4 million move. After such an influential spell at Manchester City, Barcelona will be expecting him to justify that four-year commitment immediately.
Rodri’s emotional farewell makes this feel like a particularly painful departure for City, especially after such a defining spell at the club. Barcelona securing him on a four-year deal for around £65.4 million could prove a bargain if he carries his midfield influence into LaLiga.