Manchester City midfielder Rodri recently shared an intriguing story about a conversation he had with former Barcelona player Sergio Busquets before making the decision to join Pep Guardiola in England.
Rodri, who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in football today, is also a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.
His leadership skills were evident when he helped Spain secure the European Championship, and he has been a driving force behind Manchester City’s success, including their Premier League triumph.
On the field, he plays as an extension of Guardiola’s vision, while off the pitch, he continues to offer insightful perspectives.
Word of advice from Busquets
In a piece for The Players’ Tribune, Rodri opened up about several lesser-known aspects of his career. One particularly significant moment was his move from Atletico Madrid to Manchester City in 2019.
As part of his preparation for the switch, he sought advice from a player who knew Guardiola inside out – Sergio Busquets.
“When I had the chance to move to City that summer, it felt like a dream come true,” Rodri revealed.
“I spoke to Sergio Busquets before I finalised the move, and he told me, ‘Pep will make you a better player. But be prepared – he’ll never stop putting pressure on you. You’ll never be a finished product under him.’”
Rodri admitted that Busquets’ advice held a lot of weight for him, given Busquets’ success under Guardiola.
“Sergio had a similar role to Pep during his playing days, and he achieved so many great things, so I really valued his words. And he was absolutely right.
“The unique thing about Pep is that he’s always a step ahead of the game. He’s constantly evolving before the sport around him can catch up.”
Guardiola, a legendary midfielder in his own right, has become one of football’s most influential managers. His ability to mould players like Busquets and Rodri has redefined the role of the ‘6’, raising the position to remarkable levels.
Both players have become exemplary heirs to Guardiola’s tactical genius.