Manchester City midfielder is aiming to return from injury this season, despite having been ruled out for the campaign due to a serious knee injury.
The Ballon d’Or winner suffered an ACL injury in the Premier League clash with Arsenal in September, which appeared to have ended his season.
City manager Pep Guardiola said of his key player on 27 September: ‘He had surgery this morning – ACL and some meniscus, so next season he will be here. This season is over.
‘We got the worst [news possible] but it is what it is. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are there to support him. Good recovery, step by step and we move forward.’
The Premier League champions have been struggling for form without their holding midfielder and have lost their last four matches in all competitions, including top flight defeats to Bournemouth and Brighton.
Rodri is not rushing back to solve a crisis, but he is optimistic about when he might be back on the field, aiming for the end of the current campaign.
‘I have in mind to play this season,’ Rodri said on Spanish show COPE on Monday.
‘Now the seasons are getting longer and the (Club) World Cup ends on July 13, I have in mind to return this year, as a challenge. I’ve already started walking and I’m feeling better than I thought.’
Rodri was also asked about whether he sees himself returning to Spain to play for one of the big La Liga clubs at some stage, but the 28-year-old talked up how much he enjoys life in England with Manchester City.
‘I honestly like to live in the present, I have a contract with my club, I am very happy there. And the truth is that since I arrived in England I feel that it has been my home,’ he said.
‘I watch the Spanish league and I’m still passionate about it obviously, I see the big clubs, how they continue to grow , but for me the English league is also special.
‘What I am experiencing there the club where I am, not just the team but a lot of people may not know the club but it is a club I feel very identified with, it is very familiar and I feel very comfortable there.’
Despite their nightmare run, Manchester City are still second in the Premier League, although they are now five points behind leaders Liverpool.
Guardiola’s side return after the international break with back-to-back home games against Tottenham in the Premier League and then Feyenoord in the Champions League.
MORE : Premier League footballer questioned over rape claims following prior arrest
MORE : Enzo Maresca warned Chelsea star is ‘not suited to the Premier League’
MORE : ‘Football is not for you’ – Troy Deeney digs out Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho
