FC Barcelona added a perfect piece to its midfield with the addition of Rodri, according to one of the club's biggest legends. The World Cup Golden Ball winner officially joined the Blaugrana on Tuesday, Aug. 18, after seven years with Manchester City where he played under former Barca manager Pep Guardiola. It's a move that has delighted Carles Puyol, the former Barcelona captain who was part of the first Spain team to lift the World Cup in 2010. "Honestly, it’s very good news for Barcelona. We’re talking about one of the best midfielders in the world. I had the pleasure of watching him live at the World Cup, and to be honest I really like him," the Barcelona legend told U.S.-based reporters Tuesday. "He gives a lot of balance to teams, the system and philosophy Barcelona has fits in perfectly with his game, which he’s showed in the Spain national team and also at Manchester City with Guardiola. "I think he’s going to help us a ton. I think it’s a key position for any team, and now the middle of the field for Barcelona will be stronger because I think we already had a very good midfield."
Rodri slots into a midfield that already includes Rodri's World Cup teammates Pedri, Dani Olmo and Gavi, elevating the La Liga champions as they look to defend that title and try to win the UEFA Champions League in their first season back at the Camp Nou, which is still undergoing improvements. While Rodri was born in Madrid, coming up in the Atlético academy before making a move to Villarreal, the 30-year-old believes he's joining a team that will suit both his style of play and his winning mentality. “I’ve come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I’ll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season," Rodri told the club's official channels. The deal sees the midfielder sign with Barcelona through the 2029-30 season, and he could debut for the club as soon as Wednesday's Joan Gamper trophy match, the La Liga opener on Aug. 23 or the club's home debut Aug. 27. “I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career," Rodri said. "It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FC Barcelona legend thrilled with Rodri's arrival: 'He's going to help us a ton'