Football News: Rodri signs a new 5-year deal at Manchester City

His time with the Etihad Stadium club will now extend through June 2027.

After being a vital part of Pep Guardiola's side, the Premier League champions wanted to sign the midfielder to a more extended contract.

The 26-year-old joined in 2019 in a £62.8 million ($70 million) transfer from Atletico Madrid and has contributed significantly to back-to-back Premier League title victories.

"Joining City in 2019 is the best decision I have made in my career," Rodri commented via Manchester City's website. "I have loved every second. The fans have been amazing to me, I feel supported by the club, and the manager pushes me daily.

"I have improved so much as a player, and I want to thank Pep and all the backroom staff for their help. They are completely committed to helping me become the best player I can be, and I appreciate their hard work."

With 102 Premier League appearances across three seasons after moving to England, Rodri has proven to be an essential member of the Manchester City team. As well to his two Premier League titles, the Spain international has won the Carabao Cup twice.

"We have been very successful since I came here, which is something that makes me very proud… But to be honest, that success has made me even more hungry for me. Once you start winning big titles, you don't want to stop," Rodri continued. "City, I feel, offers me the best chance of winning trophies, and that's why I am so pleased to be staying here for longer."

Last season, he improved his goal production, took control of the central midfield position, and emerged from Fernandinho's shadow. Giving a game where he didn't perform at a high level is difficult.

Rodri played the most minutes of any outfield player behind Joao Cancelo, demonstrating his form and commitment to Pep Guardiola's ambitions.

Is Rodri important for Manchester City?

Pep Guardiola has commented about Rodri's crucial role in his team and how he is a significant part of the club's future, demonstrating his understanding of the essential job of holding midfield.

Rodri had steadily developed into the role compared to Sergio Busquets of Barcelona when he initially joined the team. He was one of the most significant factors in the club's title victory last season.

He scored several vital goals, including a last-second winner at Arsenal and the equalizer on the penultimate day of the season against Aston Villa, as Liverpool was denied a victory against Manchester City at Anfield last season due to an extraordinary last-second block.

After competing with Fernandinho for the position in the previous season, Rodri was unquestionably the first choice, and the Brazilian went on a free transfer in the summer.

Rodri had his finest scoring season last year for Manchester City, scoring seven goals as they won the Premier League.

However, Kalvin Phillips, who joined from Leeds United for £42 million, will pressure him to earn a spot in Pep Guardiola's lineup for the upcoming season.

Next month, Manchester City will begin their championship defence on the road against West Ham United at the London Stadium. Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega have already completed transfers to the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City has agreed on new terms with Rodri, who is the latest player to do so, but Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez are also rumoured to be close to signing better terms.