“You always have to pay attention” - 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri makes big claim on joining Real Madrid amid transfer rumors

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has left the door open for a move to Real Madrid in the future. He acknowledged that Los Blancos are the most successful club in the world and it is an honor to be linked with them.

Speaking to El Larguero, Rodri confirmed he was aware of the rumors linking him with a move to Real Madrid. The City star did not dismiss the possibility of moving to Santiago Bernabeu despite the Spanish giants' decision to snub the Ballon d'Or gala when he won the France Football award over Vinicius Jr.

“If Real Madrid call me? Obviously, when Real Madrid, the best and most successful club in history calls you, it’s an honor. You always have to pay attention,” Rodri said via Madrid Xtra.

Rodri also spoke to COPE radio earlier this month about the possibility of moving to Santiago Bernabeu but insisted he was not thinking of it.

“I want to recover, and we'll see. I like to live in the present, I'm very happy there [at City], it's been my home since I arrived in England. It doesn't make sense to close any doors. But I feel very comfortable there,” the Spaniard claimed via Euro Sport.

Real Madrid were furious with Ballon d'Or organizers, France Football, as they believed Vinicus deserved the award. The Spanish champions decided to skip the gala altogether despite being named the Best Men's Football Club, with Carlo Ancelotti taking home the Men's Manager of the Year award.

Manchester City's Rodri happy in England amid Real Madrid rumors

Rodri claimed he is happy in England and has not dismissed the possibility of finishing his career with Manchester City.

Rodri told El Larguero that he loved the country and the club and there were no plans to leave.

"It’s a possibility that I finish my career in England! A country that has given me everything. A country where I love the football that is played. Manchester City is amazing, not only on a sporting level but also a structural level - I like it there, I feel very loved!" he said via City Report.

It was not the first time Rodri spoke about the prospect of staying at the Etihad. He told the media in September via Goal:

"I have three more years at Man City and when I sign the contract I don’t think of other teams. So I have three more years at Man City, and nothing more to say."

Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has been a key figure for the English champions.