Rodri has given Manchester City encouragement over a new contract after enjoying his best season with the club.
The Spaniard was signed as Fernandinho's replacement in 2019 but struggled to have the same sort of impact in a team that fell short of the standards they set in previous years. After a better second season, Rodri came into his own this year as one of Pep Guardiola's most important players and crowned a terrific campaign with a remarkable goal to level the final game of the season against Aston Villa.
Rodri has two years remaining on his current deal and, especially with Fernandinho departing this summer, extending his time at the Etihad has never been a bigger priority for the club. While the former Atletico player will also command interest from Spain, the 25-year-old is happy in Manchester after his most impressive year.
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"In football you never know. I’m interested in projects where I can grow and I think that right now City’s project is spectacular," he told AS. "[This has been] my best year.
"You get better little by little, you adapt. There’s a period of acclimatisation that everyone needs. I’ve been understanding my role better, I’ve grown in that sense. Playing in midfield is the position where you need to master the most aspects of the game.
"I’ve always played with another midfielder alongside me, but I’m on my own now. [City assistant Juanma] Lillo said to me I’m like a guard dog. I need to protect what I have without losing it. I need to bark, but not always bite.
"If I get stuck in too early I can end up out of position. I’m happy. The club made a big effort for me and I want to repay all that trust."
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