Rodri backs Arsenal star to become ‘one of the best’ players in the world

Manchester City midfielder Rodri (Picture: Getty)

Rodri has revealed what he has told Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi about his role in the Spain team.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Gunners summer signing Zubimendi are competing for a place in the Spain side.

It was Zubimendi, 26, who replaced Rodri, 29, after the latter was forced off with an injury in the Euro 2024 final win over England.

Liverpool were close to signing Zubimendi that summer but he ended up spending one more season at Real Sociedad before joining Arsenal in July for £60m.

Zubimendi will have a key role to play for title-chasing Arsenal and Rodri believes the Gunners have signed a player who can become ‘one of the best’ in the world.

Rodri also revealed he has told Zubimendi that he is ‘leaving him the keys’ when he walks away from international football.

‘He’s a great player,’ Rodri said of the Arsenal summer signing. ‘He has the discipline and mentality that can lead him to become one of the best, if he isn’t already.

Arsenal summer signing Martin Zubimendi (Picture: Getty)

‘I spoke to him the other day and told him it was his time, that I was leaving him the keys to the team.’

Zubimendi started Spain’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bulgaria on Thursday night, with Rodri coming on as a second-half substitute.

Rodri missed most of last season through injury but Spain boss Luis de la Fuente confirmed he was in ‘perfect condition’ upon his return.

Rodri speaking ahead of Spain’s World Cup qualifier against Turkey (Picture: Getty)

His absence was certainly felt at Manchester City, who fell short of a record-breaking fifth Premier League title last term and failed to win any silverware.

Rodri won the Ballon d’Or award during his injury recovery and said it was a ‘breath of fresh air’ at a ‘really hard time’.

‘The injury is much more significant than the Ballon d’Or,’ he added.

‘It was a breath of fresh air at a time when I was having a really hard time. I’m happy for the recognition.’

Rodri started Manchester City’s clash against Brighton before the international break but was unable to prevent Pep Guardiola’s side from slipping to a 2-1 defeat.

The Spain Euros winner will look to get Man City back to winning ways next weekend when struggling Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal and Zubimendi, meanwhile, return to action on Saturday afternoon with a home match against Nottingham Forest.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Comments