Rodri has had little time on the pitch alongside many of the new faces that have joined Manchester City since summer 2024.
It must feel like a bit of a reset for the Spaniard, who has been at the club since 2019 and is still getting back up to speed after missing most of last season with an ACL injury.
While he knows it will take time for everything to click, he will be eager for City to get back to their familiar groove sooner rather than later.
Regarding that, the Spaniard admitted that he has already started to feel the impact of one of the club’s latest signings.
Rodri says Gianluigi Donnarumma makes him feel ‘chilled’ on the pitch
Gianluigi Donnarumma was under the spotlight in his first clash against Arsenal, with many fans previously wondering how he would handle playing at the Emirates.
The Italian keeper has made an immediate impact since joining City. Erling Haaland called him “amazing” after solid performances against both Manchester United and Napoli.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Rodri said Donnarumma’s presence gives him confidence on the pitch.
“He’s one of the best ‘keepers, one of the best in the world and of course, you just need five minutes to see what he’s going to give to the team. He’s massive, he can catch the ball in the air, he makes you confident about everything.
“He made an incredible save [to keep Bryan Mbeumo’s effort at bay] yesterday. He makes you [feel]…’I’m so chilled that he’s in there.’ We came from one of the best ‘keepers of this era with Eddie [Ederson], that was massive for us but now, I hope Donnarumma does the same thing because he does the same thing.
“Not for me, for the opponents, when you see the goal, when you see that guy in there, we’re so confident about it.”
Bernardo Silva likens Gianluigi Donnarumma to one of the greats, according to Rodri
Speaking to Rodri about Donnarumma, Bernardo Silva drew comparisons with Thibaut Courtois.
“With Gigi, the feeling that you have is a bit Courtois feeling, you know. He’s a tall guy, he’s a big guy,” he began to say.
“He’s still young because he’s 26 but he’s played at the highest level for so long but first game at a new club, you could see that he felt comfortable with it and it’s good to have a guy like that at the back.”
Even Arsenal’s David Raya has spoken highly of Donnarumma, calling him one of the best goalkeepers in the world after watching him settle in quickly at City.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
