Manchester City legend Fernandinho has revealed what Rodri told him in a recent conversation.
Fernandinho brought a glittering nine-year stay at Manchester City to an end in 2022 when he decided to leave as a free agent and return to Brazil.
Unlike when Vincent Kompany left a few years earlier, City had already replaced the crucial defensive midfielder by signing Rodri.
The Spaniard’s excellence on the pitch meant Pep Guardiola’s side did not miss their former captain at all.
Now Fernandinho has revealed that Rodri has even been looking to learn a few tricks from his old teammate.
What Rodri told Fernandinho recently
Speaking about Rodri on the Denilson Show, Fernandinho said: “He’s good, he’s good. Fantastic player.
“I talked to him, and he said, ‘I’m learning from you to give some kicks. Receive a little card to stay out.'”
Learning from the master
Fernandinho became the undisputed king of the cynical foul at City.
Whenever City looked like they might be in trouble as the opposition mounted a quick counterattack, you could rest assured the Brazilian would be on hand to tug someone back or knock them off their stride.
Most of the time, Fernandinho didn’t even get booked for his fouls and would madden fans of other teams as he got away with it time and time again.
It was a crucial aspect to City’s success and it’s great to know Rodri is looking to keep that spirit alive and learn from the best.
It’s clearly paying off, too, given Rodri has now not lost in 60 successive appearances for City.
The midfielder has been sublime for years and is easily City’s most important player, made clear by the fact they have lost all four games he hasn’t played this season.
Rodri continues to get better, too, and is now a dangerous attacking threat – with seven goals and 10 assists already to his name this term.
