Rodri has revealed moment Manchester City fans surprised him and his girlfriend. The midfielder delivered a touching message to the club’s supporters, expressing deep gratitude for the “incredible” love they showed him during his recovery from a serious knee injury.
The Spanish international, who has been pivotal to Pep Guardiola’s dominance in recent years, opened up about how the fans’ response helped him overcome one of the toughest chapters of his career.
Rodri’s emotional return from ACL nightmare
Over the last few seasons, Rodri has been the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield — a figure of composure, strength, and tactical intelligence.
Since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, his leadership and consistency have elevated him among the finest holding midfielders in world football. However, last season tested him like never before.
Early in the campaign, during a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Rodri suffered a devastating ACL injury. The blow immediately sparked fears that he might miss the entire season. For a player whose presence so often defines City’s rhythm, the absence left Guardiola’s side facing a major void in midfield.
Even after Rodri’s rehabilitation began, doubts persisted about whether he would ever return to his peak. Guardiola later admitted that the midfielder continued to feel discomfort in the same knee, raising fresh concerns about his long-term condition.
The defining moment, however, came when he featured in the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. For City fans, seeing Rodri back in the sky-blue shirt was more than just a footballing boost — it was an emotional homecoming. The reception he received from supporters that night captured the unity between player and fanbase.
Reflecting on that unforgettable evening, Rodri told ManCity.com how much the fans’ reaction meant to him personally.
“The reception from the fans that night, for me, was incredible,” said Rodri. “They were desperate for me to come back in the same way I was desperate to come back, and this love they showed me – and not just for me, for my girlfriend and for my family – for all of us – makes me so proud.”
The midfielder admitted he was deeply touched by the way the fans celebrated his return, even though City were struggling to find consistency in their season at that point.
“They could easily have not done that because the season was going wrong, but they were just happy for me to come back as an individual to come back and try to help the team.”
Rodri’s words underline the human side of football — where support, love, and loyalty often matter as much as trophies.
Rodri also reflected on the shared responsibility that binds Manchester City together — a sentiment that has defined Guardiola’s era at the club. For him, success is not just about tactics or titles but about unity through all circumstances.
“Everyone plays a part in being a successful club – the fans, us, all the players – and they know they have to be there in the bad moments and for me there has been no exceptions to this, because they’ve always been there and that for me means an awful lot to me.”
Over the years, Manchester City fans have witnessed countless triumphs — from domestic trebles to European glory — but moments like Rodri’s return show that their relationship with players goes beyond celebrations. It is built on empathy, encouragement, and shared struggles.
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Not long ago, Rodri had also spoken about another emotional experience — the Ballon d’Or celebrations held at the Etihad Stadium last autumn. After being honoured for his outstanding performances, he confessed that he “almost cried” as fans celebrated his individual achievement.
For a player known for his calm demeanour, such candid moments reveal just how much the affection of supporters continues to inspire him.
Looking ahead: safeguarding City’s midfield anchor
As the new season unfolds, Pep Guardiola will be determined to protect Rodri from excessive workload. In recent campaigns, his relentless schedule has drawn scrutiny, with many observers calling for better squad rotation to avoid fatigue or recurrence of injury.
Manchester City, who fell short of major silverware last season for the first time since 2016/17, know that Rodri’s fitness is essential if they are to reclaim domestic and European titles. His ability to dictate tempo, break lines, and provide defensive security makes him irreplaceable in Guardiola’s tactical system.
As he continues to rebuild his rhythm and guide City through another demanding season, the midfielder’s heartfelt message will linger as a testament to the power of collective support.
