Spanish midfielder Rodri described joining Barcelona as a “dream” after landing in the city to finalize his transfer from Manchester City.
Barcelona have reached an agreement to pay City approximately £65m for the 30-year-old, who is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Spanish champions.
“I am delighted to be here. It has been a hectic few days, but I am pleased that everything is now settled. Playing for FC Barcelona has always been a dream,” Rodri told reporters at the airport on Monday.
“I am eager to join my new team-mates, including several players I already know from the Spanish national side. Now I must start working and give everything I have.”
Rodri also said he hopes to lift “the Champions League and every other trophy available” during his time with Barca.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or recipient played 298 matches and enjoyed seven successful seasons at City after arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club-record fee of £62.8m.
A severe knee injury kept him out for most of the 2024-25 season, while a hamstring problem also interrupted parts of the following campaign.
He returned to top form at this summer’s World Cup, however, helping Spain secure their second championship and earning the tournament’s best-player award.
Rodri departs City with 12 major trophies, including four Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the 2022-23 Champions League title.
City turned down Barcelona’s initial £38.5m bid last week for the midfielder, who was approaching the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid had previously appeared to be his most likely destination, but Barcelona intensified their pursuit in recent days and moved to secure the transfer.
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