Rodri backs Manchester City's innocence hours after 114-charge guilty verdict

Rodri refused to distance himself from Manchester City on Friday night, publicly backing the club just hours after they were found guilty of 114 of 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League in 2023. The Spain captain, now at Barcelona following a £65m summer move, told reporters: “I believe in the justice system and I believe in the innocence of the club.”

City are expected to appeal the verdict. Rodri, speaking ahead of his first appearance on English soil since leaving the Etihad, drew on the club’s 2020 UEFA ban — which was ultimately overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport — as grounds for his confidence. “We had the example in 2020 and the process was the same, and in the end, nothing happened,” he said.

The 30-year-old was unequivocal in his support. “I’ve been there and I know how they work and how they co-operate,” he added. “I always praise the confidence that they never did something wrong, and we believe in that. The moment they prove wrong, we will believe the club.”

The statement carries weight given the circumstances of Rodri’s departure. During his final season at City, the midfielder gave what some supporters interpreted as non-committal answers about his future on international duty, prompting frustration among sections of the fanbase who felt the club had provided the platform for his individual success — including the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Friday’s remarks represent a markedly different tone.

Rodri joined Barcelona in the summer after Hansi Flick made him a priority target. The German coach was candid about his admiration for the midfielder upon his arrival. “I think he might be the best No.6,” Flick said. “He can control the game, but he also helps out in defence. He can win aerial duels, which is very important for us, and of course he raises the standard of every player.”

Days before Rodri’s departure was confirmed, then-Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca — who had been at the Etihad Campus — acknowledged giving the midfielder a farewell embrace, underlining the regard in which he was held across the game. City, for their part, did not attempt to hold him against his will once a deal was agreed.

The financial charges case, first referred to an independent commission by the Premier League in 2023, covers an alleged range of rule breaches across multiple seasons. City have consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the process.