Manchester City star Rodri has acknowledged that a potential transfer to Real Madrid would prove nearly impossible to resist.
The 29-year-old has cemented his status among the world's elite midfielders since joining City, contributing to an impressive haul of 11 major honors under Pep Guardiola, including four Premier League crowns and a Champions League triumph.
The Spain international's 2024-25 campaign was significantly disrupted by an anterior cruciate ligament rupture sustained in September 2024, limiting him to just two top-flight appearances before the calendar turned.
However, the midfielder has regained momentum in recent months, delivering a commanding display in City's 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal last Sunday.
With his City contract entering its final 12 months this summer, Rodri spoke candidly about his future during a Wednesday evening interview with Spanish broadcaster Onda Cero, expressing openness to a La Liga homecoming.
When questioned about a potential return to Spain's top flight, Rodri responded: 'I'd like to return, yes, obviously.
'For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, it's true not as much as before, but I still follow it.
Your football fix
Metro's Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week's biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.
Sign up here, it's an open goal.
'And I have to admit that the Premier League is my weakness. I think it's a thrilling league but at the same time very demanding, meaning it pushes you to the limit. I've been there for seven years now, and I'm noticing the passage of time, but for the moment I'm very happy there.
'I'm currently recovering from an injury, and what worries me right now is my feeling, my level, how to get back to my previous level. Not the contract issue, that will come, especially with a World Cup coming up, which is crucial for reaching my level.
'Right now I'm free, well, obviously I have a year left on my contract, obviously there will be a point where we'll have to sit down and talk, have a conversation.'
Addressing whether his Atletico Madrid history would preclude a move to their city rivals, Rodri stated: 'No, I mean, there have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time.
'I mean, for me, you can't turn down the best clubs in the world.
'They have a fanbase that really goes all out for them, and for me, the Bernabeu is always incredible, a stadium that's very imposing.'
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.