Excited and ambitious. That was Rodri’s mood as he was presented as a new FC Barcelona player. “I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career. It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again,” said the World Cup-winning midfielder, who is eager to lift more trophies, this time in a Barça shirt.
Rodri has a winning mentality, as he made clear in his first words as a Barça player: “I’m here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League.”
He is convinced he has joined a team that suits his qualities: “I’ve come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I’ll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season.”
Familiar faces and delighted to work with Flick
The Madrid-born midfielder is joining a team he already knows well. He has been a world champion alongside fellow Barça players such as Pedri, Olmo, Gavi, Cubarsí, Eric, Joan Garcia and Lamine Yamal. “I’m joining a dressing room that I know perfectly well, so that will help me settle in. What I’m worried about are the jokes in the first few days,” he said with a smile.
The group is led by an outstanding coach in Hansi Flick, who has earned praise from across the footballing world, including from Rodri: “I’m happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It’s a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player.”
Rodri was clearly delighted throughout his presentation and ended with a message of excitement for the culers: “It’s a pleasure to be at Barça. I’ll give 100% of everything I have,” concluded the new signing, thrilled to be wearing the Barça colours.