by Manchester City midfielder Rodri says he has not given up hope of returning to the pitch this season.
The Ballon d’Or winner suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September and underwent surgery.
The Premier League champions have struggled in his absence, losing five games in a row and squandering a three-goal lead in an extraordinary collapse at home to Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
City would be 11 points behind Liverpool if they lose at Anfield on Sunday and may have to consider their options in the January transfer window if results on the pitch do not improve.
“My goal is to come back this season,” Rodri told Gary Lineker and Micah Richards during the press conference. “The rest is football” podcast.
“I think in terms of mentality it will be positive for me not to give up on the season and to start it.
“I don’t want to run, you know, I don’t want to make mistakes. But yes, that’s my mentality.
“I don’t know when – My goal is six, seven months, but the physical therapists will dictate.”
Rodri also said he did not approve of Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr’s decision to miss the Ballon d’Or ceremony last month.
The Spanish club canceled their trip to the awards night in Paris after learning Rodri had won the vote for the individual award.
He said he and Erling Haaland were present when Lionel Messi won last year’s award.
“Well, it’s a decision of individuals or clubs in general to decide what to do,” Rodri said.
“I can’t respect the decision, I always said I wouldn’t do it the same way.
“In sport and in life, it is important to win. But I think even more about how to lose and I always say the same, it was my moment, I didn’t want to talk about others.
“They didn’t want to be there. I want to be with my club, with my family, the people who were there and who applauded me and it was a fantastic moment.”
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