During the course of his City career, the Spanish international went on to establish himself as one of the finest holding midfielders in the world and played a decisive role in what has proved the most successful period in the Club’s history.
All told, the 30-year-old made 298 appearances for the Club, scoring 28 times during which time he helped City secure 14 major trophies.
Across his Etihad career, Rodri helped City win four Premier League titles, three League Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
And Rodri it was whose decisive and unforgettable goal secured Champions League glory – and with it the 2023 historic Treble - against Internazionale in Istanbul.
On a personal basis meanwhile Rodri’s standing in the game received the ultimate accolade in 2024 when he became the first City player to win the coveted Ballon d’Or prize – the most prestigious individual award in the global game.
Having joined City from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019, Rodri soon illustrated the power, panache and supreme football intelligence that was to mark him out as one of the pivotal members in the squad assembled by Pep Guardiola.
Heading home the winner in a 2-1 2020 Carabao Cup final success against Aston Villa not only sealed his second major piece of silverware that debut term, following a 2019 Community Shield success, but also illustrated Rodri’s unerring knack of delivering on the biggest of occasions.
Having then helped City to Premier League glory and another Carabao Cup final success in the 2020/21 campaign, Rodri’s influence and impact only further intensified the following season as City claimed another title.
Indeed, it was his goal midway through the second half that sparked a stunning fightback from 2-0 down as Guardiola’s side beat Aston Villa 3-2 to lift the league crown once again.
But it was across the defining 2022/23 season where Rodri’s contribution truly took centre stage.
He proved a veritable powerhouse in the City engine room as Guardiola’s side secured both a third successive Premier League title and FA Cup success via a memorable 2-1 derby triumph against Manchester United.
Then came his and City’s finest moment, Rodri’s magnificent second half strike securing a 1-0 Champions League final victory against Internazionale in Istanbul.
It not only delivered a first ever European Cup success for City but also sealed a historic Treble, cementing the Club’s place in the English record books, with Rodri also named both player of the match and the tournament.
His contribution was no less seismic in 2023/24 as City made yet more history by becoming the first English men’s side to win four titles in a row.
Rodri’s second half goal helped seal a decisive 3-1 win over West Ham on the last day of the season to clinch the crown.
His seismic impact was then recognised globally in the autumn of 2024 when Rodri was named the Ballon d’Or winner – the ultimate recognition in the men’s elite game.
Sadly, by then a serious knee injury sustained in September of that year meant Rodri was sidelined for the best part of a year.
After a patient and painstaking period of recovery and rehabilitation however he returned to action in 2025 and went on to help City secure yet more success last term by winning both the 2026 Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
On the international front Rodri’s impact has been no less profound. Having won 70 caps to date for Spain, the midfielder was instrumental in helping his nation be crowned European champions in the summer of 2024.
He then followed that up by captaining Spain to 2026 World Cup glory with Rodri also afforded the huge accolade of winning the Golden Ball awarded to the leading player at the tournament.
Reflecting on his Manchester City career, Rodri said: “I am leaving the Club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories.
“What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable.
“First, I first want to thank everyone I have worked with at City for all they have done for me and for helping me in so many amazing ways and helping become the player I am.
“I want to also say a special thank you to all my incredible teammates past and present. They helped make every single day here a total joy.
“It has been such a special privilege to share the dressing room and the pitch with you all.
“Lastly, I just want to pay a special tribute to the City supporters. You helped make me feel at home in Manchester from the moment I arrived and you have always been there by my side.
“Thank you for supporting me and the team through good times and bad. It has been a pleasure to play in front of you all. My heart will always be blue.
“These seven years have been incredible. I have cherished every moment of what we achieved together and will always carry Manchester City in my heart.”
For his part, director of football Hugo Viana said Rodri’s enormous contribution to the City cause would never be forgotten.
“Rodri has been a quite magnificent servant and played a huge part of what the Club has achieved since he arrived,” said Viana.
“His enormous talent, intelligence, drive, commitment and leadership has served as an example and inspiration to everyone.
“With his achievements, Rodri has more than cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career.
“And he leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club.”
Everyone at Manchester City would like to take a moment to wish Rodri every success for the remainder of his career.
