Former Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed continued support for his former club amid reports that it was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations. Speaking on the eve of Spain’s Nations League match against England, Rodri emphasized his belief in the club’s innocence and highlighted the players’ achievements during his time at Etihad Stadium.

On Friday, reports emerged that Manchester City had been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League, relating to financial conduct dating back several years. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing, with a spokesperson stating that significant aspects of their ongoing legal challenge remain unresolved.

Rodri, who left City during the recent summer transfer window and now plays for Barcelona, drew parallels to a previous judicial process the club faced in 2020. At that time, City were initially sanctioned by UEFA with a two-year ban from European competition but successfully overturned the ruling through an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“We had a similar judicial process back then,” Rodri said, “and in the first instance, we were found guilty, but we believed in the club’s innocence, and in the end, we were acquitted. So, I believe in the justice system, and I believe in the innocence of the club.”

Regarding potential sanctions and their impact on the club’s legacy, Rodri stressed that the players’ hard work and success on the field cannot be undermined by off-field disputes. “What we did, they cannot take it out of us,” he said. “It is something that is not paid by money; it is paid with effort, partnership, and being shoulder to shoulder every day.”

The midfielder acknowledged that the situation is receiving significant public scrutiny but remained calm and confident in the club’s leadership. “We always tried to think positively,” he said. “Not only Pep Guardiola and the players but all the structure—from the owners to the guys who worked daily. They always told us the confidence they have in their innocence.”

Rodri added that the team was not distracted by the controversy, saying, “You never saw the team nervous about these kinds of things.”

Manchester City have yet to respond publicly to the reported findings, and the legal process with the Premier League is ongoing. The outcome and any potential penalties could have far-reaching implications for the club’s recent titles and future participation in domestic and European competitions.