The Spain international, fresh from penning a three-year contract extension that will see him stay with the Club until June 2027, says he couldn’t be happier to commit his long-term future with the Premier League champions.
“If I can show the level I have in the last three years, I feel I can be even better,” said Rodrigo.
“I am very happy with that, and I think the club think the same, which is why we have both agreed to continue here.
“We are both happy. There is no better place to be.
“I always think that I am still 26, I am still a long way from retiring.
“I have reached a very good level and I think I have a lot I can improve on.
“That’s the idea. I am the kind of player who wants to always be better and better.”
Rodrigo, who joined the Club in 2019 and has clocked up 151 appearances to date, says Pep Guardiola has been a huge influence on his progress.
The Catalan boss played a similar role during his playing career, and Rodrigo believes that has been a key factor as to why the move to City has been so successful.
“I think the fact that he played in my position and understands everything that happens in my head and all moments is good,” he said.
“Also, the communication and the feeling between the manager and the player [is good] and I have a great connection with him, a great atmosphere and we both understand [each other].
“I remember the first year he was on me to improve, but the last year-and-a-half, he has left me more to myself because I started doing my own mechanisms and understanding.
“It is good the confidence we have in each other, and it is one of the reasons that made me continue here.”
Rodrigo also says he is taking on more responsibility within the squad and wants to be a leader.
He says there are many leaders at City, but after a bedding in period at the Club and a better understanding of how his team-mates work, he also wants to be an influential voice that can help others flourish.
“Every year you are older and have more experience.,” he said.
“I have tried to be a leader since I came. You have big names in the locker room who have to do that job, but now I feel I can do that.
“I put that responsibility on myself, to try and push every player to be better every day. That is the only way to succeed.
“It is not an easy task, but it is something I have to do. I feel it is my role in the team, but I still have to improve to manage these situations.”
And the 33-times capped Spain star said he can’t wait to play alongside Kalvin Phillips, who he believes is a key summer signing.
“He is a great player,” he said.
“We saw that at Leeds. We need this kind of player because when Fernandinho left we need physical players who can play holding midfielder and in forward positions.
“We need this kind of player, so I think it is a great signing.
“I think we have made four great signings. The team always tries to get better, and you need new players [to do that] of course.”
