• Rodri starred in Spain’s WC semi-final win vs France that will see La Roja face Argentina in final

• Midfielder’s current Man City contract will expire next summer, with the Blues keen on a new deal

• 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has commented on his Man City future ahead of Sunday’s final

Manchester City‘s Rodri has insisted that his focus is now entirely on the prestigious FIFA World Cup final regardless of ongoing speculation over his club football.

Rodri‘s comments, made subsequent to their victory over Rayan Cherki‘s France in the World Cup semi-final, imply that the Ballon D’or winners’ future remains just as ambiguous as it had been ahead of the tournament.

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Manchester City are understandably very keen to extend the contract of their number 16, with him being a long-standing, irreplaceable figure at the Etihad Stadium, but it is understood that little progress has been made, and this is unlikely to change until the conclusion of his international duties for Spain.

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The 30-year-old has been regularly linked with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid and has previously revealed his openness in terms of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu; however, according to Spanish media, Los Blancos do not intend to pursue the midfielder.

Following the departure of club legend Bernardo Silva, Enzo Maresca and Manchester City will be determined to not lose further midfielder firepower as this next intriguing campaign under new management approaches.

Speaking to Spanish outlet Diario AS following Spain’s victory on Tuesday, Rodri left his club future open to interpretation, declaring that his focus was entirely on his international affairs.

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“Right now, as I said before the FIFA World Cup, I have a contract at my club, and it will be something I want to settle when it ends,” he said.

“Quite important is the challenge [of a Final vs Argentina], we have to think about this. Raising the level will help me make a decision. Obviously I’m happy with the performance but we’re a little step away now from glory…”

Whilst the record-breaking signing of Elliot Anderson is certainly a promising one, the qualities of Rodri alongside his seniority and leadership in the dressing room are indispensable, and it is undeniable that losing the treble winner next summer would be a significant loss for City.

Fabrizio Romano explains why contract talks between Man City and Rodri have been put on hold

Rodri has spent seven trophy-laden campaigns with The Blues, winning 13 honours at the club since his arrival in 2019, but whether the midfielder will extend his stay in Manchester beyond next season remains to be seen, and it is unlikely that we will receive any further context until the FIFA World Cup comes to a close.