There was a time not so long ago when Manchester City fans had to instigate conversations about Rodri, most notably via a tifo with, ‘Can we talk about Rodri’, emblazoned across the South Stand of the Etihad Stadium. Created in the wake of his Champions League winning goal against Inter Milan, it served to celebrate Rodri’s extraordinary rise, culminating in Ballon d’ Or validation in 2024. No invitation needed - Rodri to Real Madrid is a hot topic of debate. The exquisit

Speaking to the media on City’s pre-season tour in Japan Pep Guardiola was asked about Joao Cancelo: “He is here. Joao has been so...