From City to Barça: Rodri’s bold step and the Busquets echo

Rodri confirmed his move from Manchester City to Barcelona on Tuesday evening, becoming the latest world‑champion to join the Catalan giants and instantly drawing comparisons with Sergio Busquets.

Leaving City, joining Barça

At the announcement, the Catalaanse club and Manchester City disclosed the transfer, after which Rodri was presented by Barça and spoke to the press for the first time as a player of the Spaanse champions.

Bij the press conference he said, “I am incredibly happy to be here. It is a special day and an important new step in my career,” highlighting his gratitude to City, the club that gave him everything and where he felt “incredibly happy”. He added that City understood it was time for him to depart.

New home, new role models

Met a host of familiar faces – Joan García, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal – Rodri noted the young locker room is “eager to achieve great things” and that he hopes to contribute to the project.

He also mentioned a conversation with trainer Hansi Flick, saying Flick’s enthusiasm and bold playing style appealed to him and that he looks forward to working together.

Rodri cannot escape the Busquets comparison. He acknowledged, “He has always been a role model. I understand the comparison because of our position and style. It is an honour.” He praised Busquets as a friend, teammate and example, now seeing him as the reserve‑team coach.

Looking ahead, Rodri sees himself as a mentor for 19‑year‑old midfielder Marc Bernal, who is viewed as the long‑term successor to Busquets. “I am thirty years old and have experience many players lack. I want to share my knowledge and help Marc grow alongside me,” he said.