Rodri returns to field – Manchester City prepares for major comeback

Manchester City midfielder Rodri displayed high spirits during team’s first training session in Florida — arriving earlier than his teammates and immediately engaging in intensive practice with coaching staff.

After nine months absence due to knee ligament injury, Rodri is now rebuilding his match fitness. Coach Pep Guardiola maintains cautious approach by limiting Spanish midfielder’s playing time.

Statistics demonstrate Rodri’s crucial importance to the team — City’s win percentage reaches 76% with him playing, but drops dramatically to 54% without his presence on field.

“He is an amazing player and really good in everything that can be good in a midfielder,” states Nico Gonzalez, Rodri’s teammate. “I am trying to learn the most I can from him.”

Now at age 29, Rodri has become one of City’s dressing room leaders. With two years remaining on his contract, he is projected to take captain’s armband in future.