Former Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed his unwavering belief in the club’s innocence regarding the 115 Premier League financial rule breaches they have been found guilty of, stating he will continue to trust the organization unless proven otherwise.
While City prepares to appeal the verdict, the 30-year-old—who transferred to Barcelona in August—voiced his support during a press conference ahead of Spain’s UEFA Nations League clash with England at Wembley.
“They have always expressed confidence that they did nothing wrong, and we believe in that,” Rodri said. “Until the moment they are proved wrong, we will believe the club. They have always conveyed to us their confidence in their innocence.”
The midfielder pointed to the club’s 2020 acquittal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as a foundation for the players’ current confidence. City had initially received a two-year ban from European competitions from UEFA before being cleared on appeal.
“We had the example of 2020 where the process was similar and, in the end, nothing happened,” he explained. “We faced a similar judicial process—different accusations, but a similar procedure. At first instance we were found guilty there as well, but we believed in the club and its maintained innocence, and we were ultimately acquitted.”
“So, I believe in the justice system, and I believe in the innocence of the club.”
The charges cover a period during which City secured eight major trophies, including three Premier League titles, three League Cups, one Community Shield, and one FA Cup. Rodri dismissed the prospect of the club being stripped of those honours as part of any potential sanctions.
“What we achieved, they cannot take away from us,” he added. “It is something not bought with money, but paid for with effort, sacrifice, and standing shoulder to shoulder every day. I can tell you that everything was deserved, and I am glad I could experience one of the best eras in English football here.”
