Manchester City midfielder and newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has seemingly left the door open for a future Real Madrid transfer.

Los Blancos are reportedly in the market to fill a void in central midfield left by Toni Kroos following his retirement from football after appearing for Germany at European Championships during the summer just gone.

Profile wise, Rodri would be the perfect replacement. After all, the 28-year-old is widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder right now, an argument further strengthened by him being named the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner last month.

Therefore recent reports in Spain claiming that he has been identified by Madrid as a potential transfer target next summer as they look to bolster their midfield options are all the more interesting.

Having said that, whilst the former Atletico player can see himself finishing his career in England with Man City, he hasn’t exactly ruled out a move to the Santiago Bernabeu either.

"Obviously when Madrid, the best and most successful club in history, calls you, it is an honour,” he told Cadena Ser radio in Spain. “You always have to pay attention.

“But obviously of course not. I don't look too far ahead but it's a possibility that I could perfectly end my career in England.

"It's a country that has given me everything, I have fallen in love with football there. The club is spectacular, not just from a sporting level but how it's structured. I feel comfortable and loved there.

“But Spain is my country. I am always aware of the League, the level of the teams is growing more and more. I've been lucky to play in both leagues, to have the best coaches in the world and I feel very satisfied."

Rodri’s comments are somewhat surprising when factoring in the recent Ballon d'Or controversy as Real Madrid boycotted the entire event due to Vinicius Junior missing out on the award.