Barcelona officially announce the signing of Manchester City's Spain international defensive midfielder Rodri..

Barcelona announced on its official website on Tuesday that the club has signed Manchester City's Spain World Cup-winning international defensive midfielder Rodri.

According to Barcelona’s official statement, Rodri has signed on a long-term four-year deal with the club which runs until the summer of 2030.

Additionally, according to reports from The Athletic, the reigning La Liga champions paid the Cityzens a transfer fee of €60 million to sign Rodri.

After completing the transfer procedures, Rodri took the time to bid farewell to the fans of his former club via a handwritten letter published on Manchester City’s official website. He wrote: “Dear Manchester City fans, I’ve found that saying goodbye is one of the hardest things in life, but I’ll give it a try.”

“It’s hard to put into words the gratitude, love, and support that my family and I have felt over the years.”

“I remember how I felt when I first joined the great Manchester City. It was a moment of pure excitement—‘Wow, I’m going to play alongside Kevin (De Bruyne), (Sergio) Agüero, (David) Silva, Bernardo (Silva), John (Stones), and so many other players.’ I couldn’t stop smiling.”

“Then there was Pep (Guardiola), who was ready to teach me everything from day one. Pep, I can tell you now, I couldn’t make sense of all those tactics in my head back then.”

“But one question crossed my mind: ‘Can we live up to all these expectations in the coming years?’ I think time has provided the answer.”

“I knew I’d joined a top-tier team, but I never imagined we’d create such a legend—winning trophies and earning the love and respect of fans around the world. We’ve set an example and inspired the next generation, not just because of the success itself, but because of how we achieved it. And the fans have been with us every step of the way.”

“So many incredible moments come to mind. My first trophy with Manchester City, which came on my very first appearance. Those last-minute winners, like the one away against Arsenal.”

“Scoring against Aston Villa to help the team clinch the Premier League title when things looked so difficult. Scoring that long-awaited winning goal to claim the Champions League title.”

“The incredible welcome you gave me after the Ballon d’Or ceremony. You can’t imagine how proud I am to be the first player in sky blue to win this award.”

“Making history, winning the treble, and achieving four consecutive league titles. We’ve witnessed moments they’ll never get to experience.”

“Even in the toughest times, you never let me down. On my very first day back on the field, I realized just how much you love me, and I understood how special these fans are.”

“Manchester City didn’t just help me grow as a player; it transformed me as a person.”

“I watched my younger brother graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. I saw my girlfriend work for the National Health Service (NHS). Manchester has shaped my entire life.”

“I’ll never forget stepping onto the field and seeing a sea of blue chanting ‘nah, nah, nah, nah… CITY’; riding my scooter into town for coffee; strolling through the park listening to Oasis; and always loving Manchester’s unique rain-soaked scenery.”

“So, Manchester City fans, it’s time to say goodbye. Thank you to the club, the fans, the staff, and my teammates. Without you, this journey would have been completely different—my heart will always belong to the Blues.”

About Rodri

Rodri, 30, was born on June 22, 1996, in Madrid, the capital of Spain. He is1.91 meters tall and plays as a defensive midfielder.

Rodri joined the youth academy of non-league club Rayo Majadahonda, at the age of 10. The following year, he joined Atlético Madrid’s youth academy, then moved to Villarreal’s youth academy in 2013, before completing his Villarreal first-team debut by coming on as a substitute in December 2015.

In August 2018, Rodri returned to Atlético Madrid for €25 million.

During his time with Los Colchoneros, Rodri helped the team win one UEFA Super Cup title.

In July of the following year, Rodri joined Manchester City for  £62.6 million.

During his seven-year spell with the Cityzens, Rodri made 298 appearances for Manchester City across all competitions, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists, where he helped the team win four Premier League titles, three Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, one English Community Shield, one UEFA Champions League title, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Image source: Internet / Barcelona Official Website