Rodri: Manchester City's achievements cannot be erased

Spanish midfielder Rodri, currently playing for Barcelona and formerly for Manchester City, reiterated his belief in the English club's innocence, despite reports indicating its conviction on most charges related to breaching Premier League financial regulations. British media reports on Friday revealed that Manchester City was found guilty of 114 out of 115 offenses brought against the club by the Premier League in February 2023. The league has not officially announced the details of the ruling, and the club has confirmed that the case is still ongoing, with an appeal expected. Rodri addressed the issue during a press conference on the eve of Spain's UEFA Nations League match against England, emphasizing his confidence in the club and the legal process. He cited the 2020 case when the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned Manchester City's European ban following an appeal. Rodri stated that players view their on-field achievements from a different perspective, noting that the team's successes in recent years are the result of daily work and collaboration between the players, coaches, and all club staff. He added that what Manchester City players have achieved "cannot be taken away from us," considering that the successes achieved were not solely due to money, but rather to hard work and teamwork over many years. The Spanish player emphasized that he experienced one of the most prominent periods in the history of English football during his time with Manchester City, stressing that what was achieved on the pitch represents an important part of his career and cannot be erased by the current legal controversy. Rodri ended his time with Manchester City this summer, having played 298 matches since joining in 2018, winning numerous titles during that period, including the Premier League and the Champions League. His statements come at a time when the club is facing a complex legal case, while the penalties resulting from the reported ruling have not yet been determined.