Joe Hart meets Rodri to talk Ballon d'Or, Euros & Manchester City | The BIG Interview | BBC Sport

Summary

In this insightful interview, footballer Rodri shares his journey with Manchester City and the Spanish national team, reflecting on his pivotal role in their successes. He discusses his memorable Champions League win, the resilience needed to triumph in top-level football, and his pride in representing Spain. Rodri also touches on his strategic approach to the game, influenced by his background in chess, and his commitment to both football and academics. Despite being a media-shy figure, Rodri’s personality shines through as he talks about his leadership, his team dynamic, and his aspirations for the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rodri is excited to be part of Manchester City's historic Champions League win and feels proud to contribute to the team's success.
• 😀 He emphasizes that winning the Champions League is incredibly difficult and requires experience, focus, and moments of calm in crucial games.
• 😀 Rodri reflects on his calm and efficient approach to football, noting that confidence in high-pressure moments is key to success.
• 😀 The chant 'Rodri's on fire' became a massive hit among fans, and he is proud of the song's popularity, especially after the Champions League win.
• 😀 Representing his country, Spain, in the Euros and winning the tournament was a dream come true for Rodri, highlighting the importance of national pride.
• 😀 Rodri appreciates Spain's strong footballing culture and its ability to stay calm and win consistently, especially in finals.
• 😀 He talks about how he balances academics and football, advising kids to never neglect their studies, which helped him in his career.
• 😀 Rodri’s decision to avoid social media stems from his desire for real-life connections and his belief in the importance of personal relationships.
• 😀 He describes his role in the team as crucial, emphasizing the responsibilities of a defensive midfielder in maintaining team balance and control.
• 😀 Rodri enjoys playing the midfield position because it allows him to be involved in all aspects of the game—defensively and offensively—and appreciates its strategic depth.
• 😀 He values the trust and bravery in Manchester City's playing style, noting that Pep Guardiola encourages the team to be brave and try new things on the pitch.
• 😀 Rodri reflects on the challenges of winning the Ballon d'Or as a defensive midfielder, acknowledging that the role is often overshadowed by attackers who score goals.

Q & A

How does Rodri feel about his place in Manchester City history after scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final?

Rodri expresses immense pride and happiness about scoring the goal that helped Manchester City win their first Champions League, emphasizing the emotional significance of bringing the club into the history books and achieving something that had been pursued for years.

What does Rodri think makes winning the Champions League so difficult?

Rodri explains that winning the Champions League requires not just skill but experience, as moments of the game become crucial. He highlights how teams like Real Madrid can overcome tough situations due to their calmness, which comes from experience. The competition is not about being the best on paper but about handling the pressure in key moments.

How did the song 'Rodri's on fire' come to be popular, and how does it make Rodri feel?

The song started as a celebration in the dressing room after the Champions League win, where Jack Grealish began singing it. It quickly became a viral hit, and even when Rodri was on vacation, fans would sing it to him. Rodri enjoys the energy it brings and has no regrets about it becoming so popular.

What does Rodri say about the importance of winning with the national team, especially after Spain's victory in the Nations League?

Rodri highlights that winning with your country is the ultimate dream for any player, and Spain’s victory in the Nations League was particularly meaningful. He also emphasizes the strength of the Spanish team, acknowledging England's strong generation but expressing satisfaction with Spain's success.

How does Rodri feel about the legacy of Spain's footballing generation, and the pressure to follow in their footsteps?

Rodri acknowledges the challenge of following in the footsteps of Spain's golden generation, but he believes the current team is building something great. He is proud of what they've achieved and sees a bright future for the team, with high expectations for upcoming competitions like the World Cup.

What is the key to Spain's success in finals, according to Rodri?

Rodri believes that the key to Spain’s success in finals is a mindset where players visualize victory and don't fear the consequences of losing. He also credits Spain’s winning culture, which is cultivated through consistent success and a focus on the moment rather than worrying about the outcome.

How did playing chess influence Rodri's approach to football?

Rodri explains that playing chess at a high level helped him develop strategic thinking, which he applies to football. His experience with chess, especially in terms of thinking multiple moves ahead, helps him control the game from midfield and make smart decisions on the pitch.

Why did Rodri choose to stay away from social media, and what does he value about real-life interactions?

Rodri made a conscious decision early in life to avoid social media because he felt no need to seek validation online. He values face-to-face interactions and believes that genuine relationships are formed in person, rather than through online platforms.

How would Rodri’s teammates describe him in the dressing room?

Rodri believes his teammates would describe him as someone with a lot of character who is also the target of many jokes. Despite being a key player, he enjoys the fun and camaraderie in the dressing room, showing his ability to balance professionalism with humor.

What is a typical training day for Rodri like, and how does he manage his routine?

Rodri describes his training day as starting with an early wake-up, heading straight to training, and then enjoying a midday nap (La Siesta). After training, he spends time with his family or runs errands, maintaining a simple and relaxed daily routine outside of football.