Rodri defends Manchester City as he insists the team’s achievements cannot be erased, and he maintains belief in his former club’s innocence after reports that the Premier League case over financial rules has delivered a guilty finding on the majority of charges.
Multiple outlets reported on Friday that Manchester City had been found guilty on all but one of the 115 alleged breaches first brought by the league in February 2023. The club has long rejected the allegations, and a spokesperson said significant parts of the legal process with the Premier League remain outstanding.
Rodri, who left the Etihad Stadium in the summer after a trophy-laden spell, addressed the matter during a Friday evening news conference at Wembley ahead of Spain’s Nations League opener against England.
Referring to past proceedings, the Barcelona midfielder said City had faced a similar process in 2020. He noted that while an initial judgment went against the club, City ultimately succeeded on appeal, a reference to the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturning UEFA’s two-year European ban.
The potential penalties in the current Premier League case could be severe, prompting debate over the status of City’s titles and cup wins, several of which were secured at Wembley, where Rodri was speaking.
Asked whether the talk undermines what the players achieved, Rodri said opinions will vary but stressed the daily work behind City’s success. He credited not only Pep Guardiola and the squad, but also the wider club structure, from ownership to backroom staff, saying the accomplishments were earned through effort and collective commitment.
“We had a lot of success over the years and here in Wembley,” he said, adding that in his view those triumphs were deserved.
Rodri appeared unfazed by Friday’s developments and reiterated his trust in the club’s leadership. He pointed again to the 2020 example, saying the team then remained calm throughout the process and that similar issues now arise for several clubs across modern football. He said rules must be followed, while emphasizing that City’s hierarchy has consistently expressed confidence that they did nothing wrong.
“Until the moment they are proved wrong, we believe in the club,” Rodri said, noting his experience inside the organization and its cooperative approach.
Rodri defends Manchester City as process continues
City has said the case with the Premier League is not concluded, with significant elements still to be completed. Rodri’s comments came as Spain prepared to face England at Wembley, a venue tied to several of City’s recent domestic successes.
The match at Wembley also underscores the stadium’s growing role as a multi-sport venue, from international fixtures to events like the Union Jack Classic in American football. For Rodri, however, the focus remains on his national team duties and the ongoing legal process involving his former club.