Spain captain Rodri and manager Luis de la Fuente attended a press conference ahead of UEFA Nations League fixtures. Spain's first match is an away trip to England. Rodri expressed confidence that Manchester City, currently facing financial charges, will overcome their current difficulties.

Do you feel responsibility as World Cup champions?

Of course. Even more so after everything we've been through. But this team is hungry for greater glory, and we know what it means to be defending champions. We understand that the only way forward is to continue improving. The past is the past. Now we must focus on the UEFA Nations League. Tomorrow we face a team that has played well in important matches.

Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges.

I went through an identical process in 2020. The legal procedure was the same; only the accuser was different. The club always told us not to worry, that we wouldn't be punished, and in the end, the club was cleared. Regardless of the outcome, I hope justice will prevail. But I believe Manchester City will be found innocent.

You seem uninterested in winning the Ballon d'Or?

Do you think I don't want it? (laughs) This award isn't won through words—it's decided by performances on the pitch and by a panel of 100 journalists. As I've always said, individual glory is a reward for the entire team's effort. Of course, personally I've always hoped a Spanish player would win it. I hope I can win it, but that's not something I can decide.

How have the two months since winning the Championship been?

For me, it's been a time filled with anticipation. Winning the World Cup and proving I could return to my best form has been incredibly rewarding. Now I'm entering another exciting phase. I'm very grateful to Barcelona. Joining such an important club has been very satisfying. It was a busy summer, but now that everything is settled, I'm happy to be here representing my country.

Barcelona players form the core of the Spanish team.

Relationships between players are very important, and having many players from the same club helps. But the national team belongs to everyone, and mental adjustments are always necessary. I think it's beneficial to have seven or eight players from the same club in the team, especially when that club's style of play is very similar to the national team's approach.

Are Luis de la Fuente's demands very different from Hans Flick's?

Every manager has slight differences in specific demands, but in many areas, particularly regarding responsibility, they're similar. Under Hans Flick, our defensive approach differed from the national team, but both managers have similar expectations of their players. Things like taking a leading role in your position, pressing high, initiating attacks, and so on.

How does it feel to be living in Spain again?

Spain is my home, so adapting hasn't been difficult. I lived in England for seven years and considered it my home, so there were many things I missed. I'm very happy to be playing in England again, and tomorrow I hope we can put on a great performance and show everyone what kind of team we are.

Pep Guardiola said he'll see the best version of Rodri this season.

He understands that a player who's suffered such a serious injury needs to go through different recovery stages. Pep Guardiola was a midfielder, and I can't remember if he suffered a similar injury, but the recovery process is essential. Nowadays everyone wants immediate results, but the body has its own recovery process. I understood this principle and was mentally prepared for it. My goal was to be in the best possible condition for the World Cup. This approach paid off with hidden efforts bearing fruit. I'm grateful to Pep Guardiola for understanding this process and not just considering the club's interests. This is exactly why I performed so brilliantly at the World Cup, and I want to thank Manchester City and Pep Guardiola for that. I'm satisfied with my entire recovery process and recovery status.

Become a Manchester City legend.

If you work hard every day, success will eventually come. Everything we've achieved can never be taken away because it can't be bought. It's the result of us working together every single day. I'm very proud to have witnessed the most glorious era in English football.

Are you worried Manchester City could lose their titles?

This issue means something different to us players than it does to journalists. I understand all perspectives, but we're trying to maintain an optimistic attitude. If you saw the effort everyone at Manchester City put into success, you'd understand that our achievements can't be taken away. They weren't bought with money but earned through hard work and teamwork. Everything we've achieved is legitimately earned, and we've created the greatest era in English football. I believe the club is innocent, and we overcame similar difficulties in 2020.

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