Rodri amazed by Barcelona fans: "The affection from the culés is incredible"

Rodri Hernandez, 30, has quickly become one of the central figures of the new FC Barcelona project. The midfielder, who has won the Champions League, the World Cup, the European Championship and the Ballon d'Or, joined from Manchester City this summer and has been deeply touched by the welcome he has received. In a relaxed conversation, the Madrid-born player admitted he is staggered by the affection shown by the supporters and delivered a clear message of commitment to the club.

• Rodri says he is amazed by the affection of the Barcelona fans since his presentation and official debut.
• The midfielder sees Barcelona as capable of winning the Champions League, though he believes the team must handle critical moments in knockout ties better.
• The former City player explains that Deco and Hansi Flick were key figures in his decision to join the Catalan project.
• He says he was not bothered by the club publicly backing Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d'Or and would love to see a Spanish player win the award.

The Barcelona welcome that left Rodri speechless

The warmth of the stands has defined his opening weeks in Catalonia. Rodri made no effort to hide his surprise at the atmosphere during his unveiling and his first matches. He said he felt filled with pride and that he is blown away by how close the fans feel, especially during moments like the crowd waiting for him outside a restaurant after the meal that followed his presentation. That support does not overwhelm him, it pushes him even harder: he feels a responsibility to repay it with performances and silverware.

Why Rodri chose Barcelona after leaving Manchester City

Leaving England after seven seasons was not an easy decision. Rodri described it as a long process of reflection. First, he had to accept that his time at City had come to an end and that he wanted a new challenge, a place to keep building his career. Once the Barcelona option appeared, he understood it was the best destination for his sporting growth and his desire to keep collecting titles.

The decisive role of Deco and Hansi Flick

The sporting director and the German coach proved crucial. Rather than pressing him with numbers or demands, they conveyed a feeling of a family club and a genuine enthusiasm to have him on board. Rodri particularly valued the natural way they handled the talks and how convinced Deco and Flick were about what he could contribute on and off the pitch. That approach, free of anxiety, made the difference and cleared any remaining doubts.

Flick's high defensive line and Rodri's tactical view

One of the tactical details that sparked his curiosity was the high defensive line proposed by the German coach. Rodri confessed that, from the outside, it is natural to wonder how such a risky approach feels on the pitch. Yet he used his Premier League experience to explain why it excites him. When City faced Klopp's Liverpool, with a very advanced line and constant offside traps, finding the perfect pass to break through was extremely difficult. Now, being part of a team that applies the same principle enriches him as a player.

Rodri's honest verdict on Barcelona's Champions League chances

Rodri was clear when discussing the European competition. He considers the title achievable and sees the Champions League as the step the team needs to consolidate its reputation across the continent. Still, he refused to call Barcelona one of the favorites. His analysis points to a tournament decided by moments: sendings-off, penalties, goals conceded in delicate spells or matches that slip away just when they looked under control. That is the area where he feels the squad still needs to grow.

The Champions League is not a tournament for the best team, it is a tournament of moments and knowing how to understand those moments.

His thoughts on Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Marc Bernal

The Spanish international was full of praise for his new teammates. He highlighted Pedri's ability to provide constant passing solutions and to link up with the attacking players. For Rodri, he is the best possible ally for a holding midfielder. In return, he believes he can give Pedri structure and help him manage his energy better. Rodri thinks the Canary Islander does not need to move so much from side to side and can still improve in winning the ball back through intelligent positioning.

Raphinha, Lamine and the Ballon d'Or debate

Raphinha is the teammate who has surprised him the most on a daily basis. His physical condition and form at 30 years old, the same age as Rodri, left a strong impression. Regarding Lamine Yamal, he avoided predicting whether this is his year for the Ballon d'Or, but placed him firmly among the best players in the world and praised what the teenager has achieved at just 19. He was not upset that the club publicly backed the academy product: he fully understands that decision and promised to congratulate whoever wins.

Rodri's commitment to the Barcelona supporters

Beyond trophies, the midfielder now finds extra motivation in helping young players grow. He speaks about Marc Bernal with admiration and sees the talent to play as a holding midfielder or an interior, with physique, quality and intelligence. That mentoring role excites him and reminds him that getting older also brings new responsibilities. His promise to the fans is simple: to give absolutely everything for the badge and to try to make them even happier than they already are.