Manchester City's World Cup-winning captain, Rodri, has completed his transfer to Barcelona for a fee of £65.4 million. The 30-year-old midfielder was in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri was a pivotal figure during Pep Guardiola's tenure, notably scoring the goal that secured City's first Champions League title against Inter in Istanbul. He also achieved the Ballon d'Or and the World Cup's Golden Ball, distinctions not previously held by a defensive midfielder since Josef Masopust in 1962.
City's performance was significantly impacted by Rodri's presence. In his last 75 starts before an eight-month injury layoff, excluding penalty shootouts, City lost only once. Over three years prior to his injury, City lost just 10 of 149 games he started, winning the Premier League in each of those full seasons and the Champions League once.
His departure, alongside Guardiola's, signals the close of a significant era for Manchester City. Barcelona, fresh from consecutive La Liga triumphs, may hope Rodri can be a difference-maker in the Champions League.