New Manchester City Italian manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that his Spanish international midfielder Rodri, crowned world champion last Sunday, will undergo back surgery next Monday.

Maresca said in his first press conference as City manager succeeding Spaniard Pep Guardiola, confirming what the British press reported: "As you said, he will undergo surgery on Monday. He needs a break, rest and good recovery, and then he will return to us."

When asked about rumors of a potential move for the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner and 2026 World Cup Best Player to Real Madrid, the former Chelsea manager described the news as mere 'speculation'.

He added: "We have to admit that rumors always surround big players. I am not worried about that. I think it's completely normal."

Maresca continued: "Spain won the World Cup, and Rodri was the best player in the tournament, or one of the best players. I think all managers would like to have Rodri in their teams because he is a great player."

According to several Spanish media outlets, the Spain captain wants to join Real Madrid, which has made the 30-year-old midfielder a priority to bolster its midfield.

Rodri had confirmed, when asked before the 2026 World Cup about this possibility, that his previous stint with Atletico Madrid, the traditional rival of the royal club, does not prevent him from wearing the Real Madrid shirt in the future.

Maresca spoke about succeeding Guardiola and called it a 'privilege', saying: "I have said many times that I consider Pep probably the best manager in the world over the last twenty or twenty-five years. But again, it's a challenge. It's great. It's a privilege."

Maresca was appointed as Guardiola's successor after the Catalan manager stepped down at the end of last season, following a highly successful decade at the Etihad Stadium during which he won 20 titles.

Many clubs have suffered after the departure of managers who achieved sustained success and numerous titles, as both Manchester United and Arsenal declined following the departures of Scottish Sir Alex Ferguson and Frenchman Arsène Wenger respectively.

Maresca said: "History shows that whoever succeeds a manager who spent many years at the club always faces some difficulties, as happened after Sir Alex and after Arsène. It is a challenge of trying to do the right things immediately for this institution, for the fans, and for everyone."

The 46-year-old Maresca embarks on his third stint at Manchester City, having previously overseen the club's elite development squad and worked as Guardiola's assistant during the historic treble-winning season of 2022-2023.

Maresca believes the strong foundations within the club will help him build on the successes achieved under Guardiola.

He added: "I think the institution is the most important factor. This club, this institution, has had only three managers in 17 years. That is unusual and doesn't happen often, so that is probably one of the reasons I am confident we can do a great job."

Chelsea was unhappy with the way Maresca left Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day, amid speculation linking him to the City job, but Maresca said with a smile on Friday: "I feel very lucky regarding my previous clubs, Leicester City and Chelsea. I think we did a great job."

He added: "In both clubs, the team's identity was clear, and the team's success was also clear, and I am very grateful to have been part of those two clubs, but now we are here. That is the most important thing. All that matters is Manchester City. I have nothing to add."