Man City midfielder Rodri is an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s team and bags around £160k-a-week as a result – but it wasn’t always glitz and glamour… even when earning a wedge
Rodri undertook Business Studies and Economics during his time at Villarreal, when he was pictured studying in basic student halls
Despite being one of the best footballers in Europe, Manchester City star Rodri doesn’t mind living in basic student accommodation.
The Spain international is one of the most important cogs in Pep Guardiola’s team and as a result earns a huge £120,000-a-week.
However, it seems the 26-year-old also has some fascinating other interests that keep him occupied.
It looks like property is probably not one of them though, as pictures emerged of Rodri in what looked to be the most basic of student accommodation.
The former Atletico Madrid man was studying for a degree in Business Administration and Management.
But while he was at Villarreal, he also undertook studies in Business Studies and Economics, and slummed it in some less than fancy-looking halls.
Education has always been important to Rodri, and he was sent on foreign exchange programmes to America and Ireland to improve his English, according to Sky Sports.
Rodri pictured with the FA Cup after Man City completed the domestic double (Image: Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
And he said of his recent studies: “I can’t say now what I’m going to do in the future, but I’m studying a degree in Management and Business Administration because it is a challenge, to start a degree and finish it.
“I’m sure it’s going to be helpful in the future one way or another.”
“When I finish my career as a player, I’d like to stay in contact with the sports world but if it doesn’t happen, that’s fine too.”
His pal Valentin Henarejo has spoken out about the pictures and Rodri’s modest lifestyle in the past, even revealing he used to drive a used Corsa at one stage!
“People were shocked when they saw Rodri, who was playing in the top flight but still living at the university residence,” Henarejo told MARCA.
Education has always been important to the midfielder (Image: twitter.com/THURBRUYNE)
“After the first few days of getting to know him, there was normality. He shared a space with everyone, he liked being with his friends and sitting on the sofa with everyone.
“But, of course, at the start it was strange seeing him playing table tennis or doing his washing.
“His car, until recently, was a second hand Opel Corsa which he bought from a woman when he got his driving licence,” Henarejo added.
“In fact, one time he told me that some friends were ‘crazy’ for buying nice cars, all that mattered was that it takes you from A to B and that’s all.”
Rodri studied Business Studies and Economics at the Universidad de CastellonCredit: Instagram