An uncertain future awaits the Manchester City star

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has said he will wait until after the World Cup to decide his future amid reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid. Rodri's contract with City runs until 2027, and he has indicated a desire to return to play in his native Spain at some point in his career. The 29-year-old, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, has emerged as a potential target for Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, who is preparing to challenge current president Florentino Perez in elections this weekend. "I try not to give too much importance to the rumors, I know they are part of the job," Rodri told reporters at Spain's pre-World Cup training camp on the outskirts of Madrid. "Especially when a player is nearing the end of his contract, it's normal for names to be circulated." He added, "I'm very calm, I know my position perfectly well, and perhaps if there hadn't been a World Cup, things would be different now." Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019. He won four Premier League titles with the English club and played a pivotal role in their first Champions League triumph three years ago, but has struggled with injuries since suffering a cruciate ligament rupture in September 2024. "With the World Cup approaching, it's my responsibility to stay focused" on the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada and kicks off on June 11, he said. "Everything regarding my future will have to wait until after the World Cup."