Manchester City's Rodri admits to career-ending doubts during his ACL recovery. The Spain international sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September 2024.

What happened to Rodri?

Rodri's 18-month road to recovery included a premature comeback at the FIFA Club World Cup and subsequent hamstring and groin setbacks.

He finally returned to consistent form in the second half of last season. Rodri admits to ‘questioning himself’ over fitness and Manchester City future after knee injury.

Rodri's doubts

Speaking to DAZN España, Rodri said: “This is part of life. Not-so-good moments. You have to face it in the most positive way possible.”

He felt very limited, with a lot of pain, and wondered if he would ever play again.

Current context

As of 28 Jun 2026, Manchester City stands 2nd in Premier League with 78 points. | Category | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 2nd | | Points | 78 | | Recent form | LDWWD | | Goals this season | 77 scored, 35 conceded | | Title race | 7 points behind leaders Arsenal | | Last result | Manchester City 1-2 Aston Villa (2026-05-24) |

Rodri's return to form was instrumental in Manchester City's run-in, with wins over Arsenal, Chelsea, and Brentford. Pep Guardiola predicted Rodri's comeback, and his words have aged well. Rodri now represents Spain at the FIFA World Cup, with his contract future at the Etihad Stadium set to be resolved once the tournament concludes.