Manchester City defender John Stones has shared a glimpse into his recent conversation with teammate Rodri, as the club prepares for life without the influential midfielder for the remainder of the season.
Rodri, who suffered a devastating knee injury that will sideline him for the entire campaign, underwent surgery after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. This injury, a significant setback for both Rodri and the team, came just as City embarks on their Champions League journey. Stones reached out to Rodri after Manchester City’s game against Newcastle, before the squad headed to Bratislava to continue their European quest.
While the injury has crushed Rodri’s hopes for individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or and disrupted City’s plans, Stones was pleasantly surprised by the midfielder’s attitude during their call. The 28-year-old Spanish international, a critical player in Pep Guardiola’s squad, is now facing months of recovery, leaving City to adjust to his absence.
In the aftermath of the surgery, Rodri has found some solace with his family, focusing on recovery. “He was in good spirits,” said Stones, recounting their conversation. “He understands what has happened and knows the long road to recovery ahead. I’m glad to hear that he’s staying positive. He’s spending time with his family, relaxing, and preparing himself mentally for the challenge ahead.”
For Manchester City, the challenge will be equally tough. Rodri has been a vital cog in their recent success, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. Stones acknowledged the loss, adding, “It’s sad because the standard he has set over the past few seasons has been incredible. We know what a key player he has been for us.”
Despite Rodri’s absence, Stones remains optimistic, emphasizing the depth of City’s squad. “We’ve got a lot of quality players who are more than capable of filling that role. Now it’s about looking forward and supporting Rodri as he recovers, while focusing on what we can achieve on the pitch without him.”
The hope remains that Rodri’s road to recovery will be swift, but until then, City must adapt and continue their quest for success without one of their key performers.
