Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has finalized a return to Spanish football, signing a four-year contract with Barcelona in a transfer worth approximately £65 million. The 30-year-old midfielder leaves Manchester City after seven seasons, marking his first spell in La Liga since departing Atletico Madrid in 2019. On Monday, he arrived at the airport in Barcelona, telling waiting reporters that joining the Catalan side was a "dream." "I'm very happy and excited about this new stage in my career," Rodri said following the announcement. "It's a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again. I've come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I'll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season." The Spanish international was entering the final 12 months of his Manchester City contract, which he signed in 2022. While the Premier League side attempted to negotiate an extension, talks did not result in an agreement. Real Madrid initially appeared best placed to sign the midfielder, with Rodri telling Spanish radio in March that "you can't turn down the best clubs in the world." Ultimately, Real Madrid ended their interest. According to BBC Sport, Barcelona secured Rodri's approval to open direct negotiations, eventually agreeing on a fee around £65 million after their opening bid of £38.5 million was rejected. At the Nou Camp, Rodri will play under German manager Hansi Flick. "I'm happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career," he said. "It's a style that I think is somewhat different from what I've experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player." His departure brings an end to a successful era in England. During his time at City, Rodri made 298 appearances and won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the 2023 Champions League. Though injuries disrupted his final two seasons at the club, he returned to top form this summer to win the World Cup with Spain, named player of the tournament as his country lifted the trophy for the second time. In a farewell message to Manchester City supporters, Rodri expressed his gratitude. "I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories. What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable," he said. "City didn't just make me a grow as a player. They made me grow as a human. I saw my brother graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS. Manchester shaped my whole life." The transfer comes during a summer of major transition for Manchester City. Manager Pep Guardiola stepped down after a decade in charge. Squad stalwarts John Stones and Bernardo Silva both left at the end of their contracts, while defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji, along with goalkeeper James Trafford, were sold. To rebuild, City spent £116 million on England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and remain in advanced talks with Lille over teenage Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The addition of the Ballon d'Or winner significantly strengthens Barcelona's squad ahead of the new campaign, drawing keen interest from Somali football supporters across Somalia and the wider region who regularly gather at local cafes to follow El Clasico encounters.