Weeks of speculation have finally ended, with Barcelona officially confirming Rodri as their latest signing.

The Spanish midfield leader is Barcelona’s third major arrival of the summer, and the club are also expected to confirm the signing of Joao Cancelo in the next few days.

Speaking for the first time since completing his move to Barcelona, Rodri discussed why he chose to join the Catalan side, the club’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez and several other topics.

Rodri started by expressing his happiness at sealing the transfer, while admitting that leaving Manchester City was not an easy call.

“I’d like to say that I’m very happy to be here. It’s a very special day, a very important new chapter in my career. It was a tough decision,” he said.

“First, because I’m leaving Manchester City, a club that has given me everything and where I’ve been incredibly happy. I’ll be eternally grateful. I’m also grateful that they understood it was a good time to leave.”

Rodri was in Barcelona ahead of his official unveiling.

He then praised Barcelona highly, saying that moving to Catalonia had always been his first preference. That carries added significance because he had also been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid.

“Barcelona is a fantastic club, a global benchmark for its approach to football and the values it represents. I had other options, but Barcelona was my first choice, and I made that clear to Laporta,” he added.

Rodri explained further that sporting ambition was the key factor behind his choice.

“When offers came in, the first step was understanding that a chapter at my club had ended and it was time to look for a way out. It took me a while to accept that. It was the most special club I’ve ever been at.”

“I studied and analysed them; they were very important clubs. Together with my family and friends, we made the decision we thought was best. My decisions have always been linked to a sporting challenge,” he said.

The midfielder also revealed that his early conversations with Hansi Flick had left him highly motivated ahead of the new season.

“I spoke with Hansi. He conveyed his enthusiasm to me. I’m very motivated to train with him; he has a very bold style of play, which appeals to me a lot. I still have room for improvement, and he can help me develop further,” Rodri explained.

“I’ve been in closer contact with Deco and Jan. He’s a transparent coach; he tells you what he expects from you. He brings the experience the team needs. I want to inspire my teammates and contribute.”

Rodri also welcomed comparisons with Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets, calling the former midfielder a role model.

“I said it back then. He’s been a great role model. I understand the comparison because of our position and style. It’s a privilege. We have different characteristics and things in common.”

“I’ve always admired him and tried to learn from him. Now he’s with the reserve team, so I’ll see him a bit more. A great friend, teammate, and role model,” he added.

On his fitness, the Spaniard was keen to make it clear that he is available straight away after a minor procedure.

“I’m ready to play now. The operation was nothing serious, it was an outpatient procedure. I hope to be able to train normally tomorrow.

“Whatever the manager deems appropriate. I just need to finalise the transfer and get under Hansi’s orders as soon as possible.”

Rodri was also asked about Barcelona’s ongoing interest in Julian Alvarez, but the midfielder gave a diplomatic response.

“I tend to be quite cautious with players who don’t belong to the club. I respect Atletico de Madrid. Julian is a great footballer, one of the best strikers.

“That’s all I can say. It’s clear that Deco and the management are always thinking about improving the squad,” he said.

Rodri believes Alvarez is among the finest strikers in the game.

The midfielder also spoke warmly about the reception he has received, having trained with many of his new teammates over the last couple of months.

“I’ve been with many of my teammates for almost two months now, and it’s been a warm welcome. It’s a very young dressing room, eager to do important things.

“I hope to contribute to what they’ve brought me here for. I’m joining a cohesive and enthusiastic dressing room.”

Rodri also highlighted young midfielder Marc Bernal, promising to help the teenager continue his development.

“I’m a 30-year-old player with experience that many players on this team don’t have. I’m here to contribute, to share my knowledge with my teammates. Marc has shown spectacular progress; he’s made an incredible recovery from his injury.”

“I hope to help him as much as I can and teach him what I think is important. He’ll be able to grow alongside me, and that’s what matters,” he noted.

Speaking about Barcelona’s midfield department as a whole, the new signing added: “Barça have been growing tremendously in recent years. They’ve won two consecutive league titles, with all the difficulty that entails, and are on the verge of winning the long-awaited Champions League.

“One of the reasons isn’t just the present; it’s seeing the potential for the future. The midfield is spectacular. We have outstanding players in every position. I want to convey the desire to keep improving.”

Finally, while talking about Lamine Yamal, Rodri had high praise for the youngster, saying: “He sees football as a team sport. We’re here to win trophies; we don’t pay that much attention to individual performances.

“It’s the result of doing things properly. Lamine is making incredible progress.”