Rodri has apologised to former City team-mate Bernardo Silva after the pair clashed on the pitch during Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal in the World Cup last 16.
The confrontation came in Dallas after Bernardo Silva headed narrowly wide with a late chance to level the score, only for Rodri to celebrate directly in front of him.
Portugal’s players reacted angrily in the moment, before tempers cooled quickly as the final whistle approached. Spain went through courtesy of a 91st-minute winner from substitute Mikel Merino, ending Portugal’s tournament and sending Cristiano Ronaldo into international retirement.
Rodri addressed the incident afterwards, saying he had made a mistake in celebrating the way he did and had apologised to Bernardo Silva immediately. He credited the years the two spent together at Man City for smoothing things over so quickly, saying the trust built between them settled the matter on the spot.
It’s a small moment with a bigger backdrop. Bernardo Silva left the Etihad for good this summer, one of two departures from City’s title-winning core alongside John Stones, as Pep Guardiola’s own reign at the club came to an end.
Monday’s clash was the first time the pair had faced off competitively since Bernardo Silva’s exit, and the swift reconciliation said much about what that City dressing room built over eight years.
There’s a parallel closer to home, too. Rodri’s own long-term future at City remains unresolved. Fabrizio Romano has reported that City offered the Ballon d’Or winner new terms several months ago, with no agreement yet reached.
For now, both men’s attentions are on Miami and Boston respectively, as Spain and Portugal’s former dressing room mates continue chasing separate paths through the tournament — Rodri with Spain into the quarter-finals, and Bernardo Silva now watching from home.
