Rodri Backs Manchester City Amidst Financial Charges

Rodri, who previously played for Manchester City, has stated his belief in the club's innocence concerning the 115 financial rules they are accused of breaching by the Premier League. He maintains this trust unless concrete proof of wrongdoing emerges.

Speaking prior to Spain's UEFA Nations League match against England, the former City midfielder, who transferred to Barcelona in August, supported the club's position. "They always express the confidence that they never did something wrong and we believe in that," Rodri said. "Until the moment they are proved wrong, we will believe the club. They always tell us the confidence they have on the innocence."

Rodri referenced Manchester City's acquittal from separate financial fair play charges by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2020. At that time, UEFA had initially imposed a two-year ban from European competitions. Rodri cited this past experience as a reason for the club's and players' confidence.

"We had the example of 2020 that the process was the same and at the end nothing happened," he explained. "We have faced something similar, we had a similar judicial process. Different accusation but similar process. There as well in the first instance we were found guilty, but we believed in the club and the innocence that the club maintained and in the end we ended up acquitted. So, I believe in the justice system, and I believe in the innocence of the club."

During the period under review for the Premier League's case, Manchester City secured eight trophies, including three league titles, three League Cups, one Community Shield, and one FA Cup.

Rodri dismissed the possibility of the club being stripped of titles as a potential punishment. "What we did, they cannot take out of us," he stated. "It's something that is not paid by money. It's paid with effort, with the damage, with, you know, being shoulder to shoulder every day. I can tell you that everything was deserved, and I'm glad that I could live one of the best eras of English football in here."