Rodri signs new Man City deal as Pep Guardiola's prediction nears fruition

Rodri has signed a new contract with Manchester City until 2027.

The midfielder, signed from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for £63million, has won the Premier League twice since joining Pep Guardiola 's side. Rodri, who had two years remaining on his existing deal, has become a key member of City's squad and had extended his stay by three more years, until 2027.

Rodri said: "Joining City in 2019 is the best decision I have made in my career. I have loved every second. The fans have been amazing with me, I feel totally supported by the club and the manager pushes me every single day. I have improved so much as a player, and I want to thank Pep and all the backroom staff for their help. They are completely committed to helping me become the best player I can be, and I appreciate their hard work.

"We have been very successful since I came here, which is something that makes me very proud. But to be honest, that success has made me even more hungry for me. Once you start winning big titles, you don't want to stop. City, I feel, offers me the best chance of winning trophies and that's why I am so pleased to be staying here for longer."

City's Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: "Rodri has been exceptional since coming here, so I am delighted we have managed to agree this new deal. He is the perfect example of what a top professional should be: he has a fantastic attitude, lives his life in the right way, takes care of his body and trains hard every single day. That is a manager's dream, and I know Pep loves working with him."

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When Rodri first signed for Guardiola, the Citizens boss claimed that the ex-Atletico ace could be a key player in east Manchester "for the next decade." Guardiola declared during that summer's pre-season: "We knew it but today I can assure you we have an incredible holding midfielder for the next decade, at least the years he will be here with a contract."

On the midfielder's superb form earlier last season, the City manager said: "We are more than satisfied. We knew it when we wanted him from Atletico Madrid. He's growing, hopefully, he can be better, open his mind to understand what we have to do. He has a margin to be a better player, and hopefully, we can help him."

Rodri is set to have a new midfield partner next season after the Citizens snapped up Kalvin Phillips from Leeds in a £45m deal. The England international has followed Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega through the door in a busy summer at the Etihad.