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The technical director of Manchester City, Italian Enzo Maresca, stated that Spanish midfielder Rodri will rejoin the club's squad after undergoing surgical intervention and getting some rest following his participation in the 2026 World Cup competitions.

These statements come at a time when media speculation about the future of the brightest stars of European football is intensifying.

In his first media appearance since taking over, Maresca responded to the news linking Rodri to Real Madrid by saying that rumors about stars are normal and not worrying.

The Italian coach, who succeeded the legendary coach Pep Guardiola, added: "I think every coach would like to sign Rodri, but he will undergo surgery at the moment; he needs a holiday, rest, and a recovery period, and then he will come back to us."

Since the end of the World Cup, many press reports have been released talking about Real Madrid's interest in signing Rodri after the outstanding performance he delivered in the 2026 World Cup.

The Spanish midfield star was awarded the Golden Ball for the best player of the World Cup by the International Federation of Association Football "FIFA", after leading his country's national team to win the world title for the second time in its history.

These developments gain their importance from the pivotal role that big players play in the plans of major clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid. The recovery and rest period remains an essential element for any athlete after participating in major tournaments like the World Cup. Observers will follow the extent of the impact of this surgery and the player's return on his team's performance in upcoming competitions. His stay within the club's ranks reflects the management's plans to maintain the team's technical stability.