Manchester City duo Josko Gvardiol and Rodri have refused to rule out shock exits this summer – and will decide on their futures after the World Cup.
City are in a period of transition after Pep Guardiola stepped down as manager after 10 years in charge, with his former assistant, Enzo Maresca, expected to take over.
The likes of long-serving players Bernardo Silva and John Stones have also departed – but Gvardiol has now refused to rule out his own exit too.
‘We’ve all seen the rumors coming from all sides,’ the Croatian said this week, via Marca. ‘I’m happy at Manchester City, I have everything I need.
‘Before the injury, I played every game and almost every minute. After the World Cup, we’ll see what happens.’
And Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, has echoed his team-mate.
Josko Gvardiol (left) and Rodri (right) have cast doubt on their Manchester City futures after the World Cup
‘It’s part of football,’ he said on speculation linking him to Real Madrid. ‘I’m focused on being a leader in the national team.
‘That’s my path. I understand the noise, but I’m not going to spend my time on that. We’ll see after the World Cup.’
Gvardiol hasn’t played since breaking his leg in January, but has been named in the Croatia squad to feature at the World Cup.
He could come up against England, with the Three Lions to take on Luka Modric and Co in their curtain raiser on June 17.
The 24-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s standout defenders since his £77million move to City in the summer of 2023.
Comfortable at left back or centre back, he has played 122 times for the club, scoring 13 times.
Guardiola said on his now-former player in May: ‘He’s training and feels good. It’s been many months, last season he was the important player for us with many injuries, he plays all the games, but the body says at one moment enough is enough.’
Rodri, meanwhile, has flirted with a move to Real and returning to Madrid after leaving Atletico for City in 2019.
He said in March: ‘There have been many players who’ve gone down that path,’ Rodri told Spanish media.
‘Not immediately, but over time. For me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.’
