Rodri Returns to Man City: Cautious Yet Determined

Brighton, England, Sep 1 (AP) — Rodri is cautioning that his return to Manchester City may not immediately restore the team to its former glory.

“I'm not Messi," remarked the Ballon d'Or recipient during his first Premier League start for City in 11 months, following the team's 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday.

Rodri endured an eight-month hiatus due to an ACL injury, and his journey back to peak performance was further hindered by a groin injury at the Club World Cup.

He made a substitute appearance in the second half against Tottenham and then started against Brighton. However, City faced losses in both matches.

During the 2023-24 season, City remained unbeaten in the 34 Premier League games Rodri played, clinching the title for a fourth consecutive year.

“I'm not going to come back and make the team win and win,” Rodri stated. "This is a collective effort. When we secured victories in the past, I relied on all my teammates.

“I definitely need to regain my top form ... Hopefully, after the (international) break, we can return much stronger.” Although City kicked off the Premier League season with a 4-0 victory at Wolverhampton, questions linger over Pep Guardiola's squad's capacity to sustain a title challenge against competitors like Liverpool and Arsenal.

Rodri commented, “To be honest, I don't care.

“People can think what they want. We will focus on ourselves, put in the hard work, and let's see where we stand at the end of the season.”

(AP) AM AM AM

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