Spanish international heads to The Etihad after Blues activated his £62.8m release clause
Manchester City have completed the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri for a club-record fee, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The Spanish midfielder becomes Pep Guardiola's second signing of the summer, after the Blues activated his £62.8m release clause.
In a statement on Wednesday night, ?Atletico confirmed: “LaLiga has informed Atlético de Madrid that Rodrigo Hernández, through his lawyer, and representatives from Manchester City, paid the player’s release clause at the sports association’s headquarters on Wednesday, July 3. Manchester City has paid the buyout clause on behalf of the player. The player has therefore unilaterally terminated his contract with our club, which ran until June 30, 2023.”
Rodri spent just season in Madrid, following his move from Villareal, but became an integral part of Diego Simeone's side, making 34 appearances and scoring three goals. Simeone had been eager to retain the player's services, but the lure of playing for the English champions proved too much for the Spanish international.
“What City have achieved in the last two years has been amazing and I’m looking forward to being part of such a talented squad,” he said.
“It’s not just the titles they have won, but the way they have managed it, playing attacking football at all times.
“It’s a style that excites me, as do the Club’s ambitions.
“I can’t wait to start working with Pep Guardiola and my new team-mates and hopefully we can achieve great things together.”
Txiki Begiristain, City’s Director of Football added: “Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented, young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for.
“He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession.
“He is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s team and we are confident he will be a success.”