It is no coincidence that Manchester City’s winless run of four games has come during the absence of Rodri.
The Ballon d’Or winner is nursing a serious knee injury but he has been quite vocal off the pitch, using his spare time for repeated media appearances.
The Manchester City star spoke to COPE yesterday and La Roja teammate Alvaro Morata was also part of the interview.
Both players spoke about their experiences together and this led to Rodri speaking about Morata’s well-documented mental health issues.
The midfielder revealed that something didn’t seem right about the AC Milan striker, which gave him the signal all was not right. That prompted Rodri to do what he could to help.
“Because I have known him for many years, I knew that something was not right. And that’s why I did everything I could, being close to him, everything.”
He also revealed mental health troubles are more usual in football than some people would think.
“It seems that when he tells people about it, they throw up their hands in horror, but… it is much more common than people think.”
Rodri is typically well-spoken during the interview and was also asked about his potential return to action.
He said: “I have in mind to play this season. Now the seasons are getting longer and the [Club] World Cup ends on July 13th. I have in mind to return this year, as a challenge.”
Returning before the campaign ends will be a massive boost for Manchester City, who aren’t quite as decisive in possession without the Spaniard and they don’t win the ball back as quickly.
While this poor run of form might just be a phase for them, Rodri adds a lot of things in and out possession that keep the side ticking.
