'No one can take away City's achievements,' Rodri stands by his former club.

Rodri’s relationship with Manchester City spans over six years; since joining the club in 2018, he has won 13 trophies across seven seasons. Although he moved to Barcelona last August, the Spanish midfielder has made it clear that his bond with his former club remains unbroken.

Rodri has stood by City following reports that an independent panel ruled against the club in 114 of the 115 charges regarding alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. However, the matter is not yet fully resolved; Manchester City has stated that significant legal proceedings remain and that they will continue to contest the charges and the ruling.

"I believe in the club's innocence"

At a press conference at Wembley ahead of Spain's Nations League match against England, Rodri was asked about City's current situation. In response, he recalled the events of 2020.

Rodri said, "We faced a very similar situation back in 2020. Although the charges were different, the legal process was the same. We were found guilty in the initial stage then, too. But we placed our trust in the club and their claim of innocence. Ultimately, we were completely exonerated. So, I have full faith in the judicial process and in the club's innocence."

The 2020 incident involved a two-year ban from European competition imposed by UEFA. City successfully appealed that sanction at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"No one can take away what we achieved on the pitch"

Rodri has won multiple trophies with City, including four Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 following a stellar season with the club.

With questions now being raised about those past successes, Rodri was naturally asked if the situation was distressing for him. However, Rodri holds a slightly different view regarding the players' perspective. In his words, "It wasn't just Pep (Guardiola) or the footballers; everyone involved—from the owners to the staff working there daily—contributed to this entire structure. No one can take away what we achieved on the pitch. Such things cannot be bought with money; they were earned through dedication, mutual solidarity, and a mindset of fighting shoulder-to-shoulder every single day."

He added, "I can say with confidence that we earned every success through our own merit. I am delighted to have been part of one of the greatest eras in English football."

What are the allegations against City?

In February 2023, the Premier League charged Manchester City with breaching various financial and administrative regulations spanning the 2009–10 to 2022–23 seasons. The allegations included violations regarding the disclosure of financial information to the league, breaches of profitability and sustainability rules, and failures to fully disclose details concerning player and manager remuneration.

Following a lengthy legal process, the verdict from an independent panel regarding the charges against City has now been revealed. However, the club does not accept the ruling. They have stated that the legal proceedings with the Premier League are not yet concluded and are emphasizing the importance of following due process.

Rodri shares this stance. As he put it, "Club officials have assured us from the very beginning that they did nothing wrong, and we believe that too. Until they are proven guilty, we will stand by the club. I was there; I know how they operate."

Rodri’s Spain to face England at Wembley today

While Rodri’s chapter with City may have concluded, a new challenge awaits him in the Spanish jersey. Tonight, world champions Spain will face hosts England at Wembley in the Nations League.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:45 AM (Bangladesh time). Amidst the controversy surrounding City, the match at Wembley will thus offer Rodri an opportunity to refocus on his on-field performance in international football.