Rodri lifts the lid on Manchester City's message to players regarding the charges
What is the truth?
Rodri, the former Manchester City and Spain national team player, believes in his old club's innocence over the financial breaches levelled against it. What the team achieved in recent years, he argued, came through collective work and effort, not money.
Rodri, who joined Barcelona last summer, addressed City's potential punishment in press statements: "We went through similar legal proceedings in 2020, and nothing has changed except the accusation. The club always insisted that we would escape punishment, and we were indeed acquitted. We were found guilty in the initial ruling, as is the case now, but I hope justice will be served."
"I know Manchester City well, and they reassured us at the time that they had taken all the correct measures," he added. Then came the fears over the club being stripped of its titles. "When you see all these people who put in so much effort at Manchester City to achieve success, you realise that what we achieved cannot be denied."
The Spanish midfielder went on: "Its price was not money, but effort and collective spirit. Everything we achieved was deserved. We created one of the most glorious eras of English football. I believe in the club's innocence. We already proved that in 2020."
Turning to Spain's ambitions after their World Cup triumph, Rodri said the players feel a great responsibility after the achievement, but that they are "hungry for more", eager to win the UEFA Nations League.
On his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or, Rodri said he wants the award, of course, but knows it hinges on his performance and the assessment of journalists. Individual honours, he added, remain "a reward for collective work", while wishing at the same time for the prize to go to a Spanish player.
Rodri also praised the understanding between the Spain players, especially with so many of them at Barcelona. The Catalan club's style, he explained, is very similar to the national team's way of playing, which helps build harmony within the squad.
