At long last Manchester City’s most important player returned to the pitch | OneFootball

Last night was a special night for Manchester City. They picked up a crucial 3-1 win over Bournemouth, which keeps their Champions League qualification hopes in their own hands. Kevin De Bruyne also said goodbye to the Etihad and the Manchester City fans last night. But another special moment occurred in the game’s closing stages last night. Manchester City’s most important player, Rodri, finally returned to the pitch. That was a moment that represented so much on a special night for Manchester City.

Manchester City’s most important player is finally back on the pitch.

Rodri replaced Erling Haaland in the 83rd minute of last night’s match. The Ballon d’Or winner had been out for 8 months due to the ACL injury he sustained against Arsenal in September. He was greeted with a hero’s welcome by the Manchester City fans. Rodri’s presence and talents have been missed all season long by Pep Guardiola’s side. Perhaps his injury was the single biggest factor in why City haven’t performed to their usual levels this season.

Manchester City’s most important player did look rusty when he came on. That was to be expected. No one expected him to pull up trees, so to speak, in his comeback. But he got on the pitch and got through unscathed, which represents the first step in his comeback. That in itself was all that Rodri has to do last night.

With Rodri back, there is a sense of optimism for next season after a difficult campaign for Manchester City.

Rodri will need time to rediscover his touch and form. That is natural after such a lengthy injury layoff. He is also coming back from a significant injury. So it’s understandable that it will take time for him to get back his best. In a way Manchester City’s participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup may be a blessing for Rodri. If Manchester City’s most important player can get minutes in his legs in the United States it could set him up for next season.

But Rodri’s return does provide a sense of optimism for next season for Manchester City. With him fit, Pep Guardiola’s side are an entirely different proposition. So while it was a special moment to see him back on the pitch on a special night for Manchester City, Rodri’s return represents so much for the club. The hope is now that he can work his way back and find his touch over the coming months and hit the 25/26 season full of running.