- Rodri has reflected on two emotional Man City exits
- Bernardo Silva and John Stones are leaving this summer
- The pair helped City lift another trophy at Wembley
Manchester City’s latest Wembley triumph carried another emotional layer as two of Pep Guardiola’s longest-serving players moved closer to their Etihad goodbyes.
Antoine Semenyo’s late back-heeled finish gave City a 1-0 win at Wembley on Saturday. The Sky Blues added an eighth FA Cup to the trophy cabinet as Pep Guardiola reached 20 major honours with the club.
The celebrations after full-time carried extra emotion because Bernardo Silva and John Stones lifted the trophy together.
The duo is set to leave the club this summer, making the occasion feel bigger than a narrow final win. Both players have been Guardiola’s trusted, winning several titles over the seasons.
Rodri sends emotional Bernardo Silva and John Stones message
Speaking to BBC Sport Manchester after the FA Cup final, Rodri was asked about Bernardo Silva and John Stones.
The Spaniard admitted that the personal side of their departure hurts more than the footballing loss. The trio are also friends, but now they have to say their goodbyes at the end of the season.
“Very tough, because more than the fact that they are amazing players, the fact that we are friends, that we lived lots of things together, families, everything, that’s for me the saddest thing,” Rodri told BBC.
The midfielder added, “But life is like this, you try to move on, it’s also positive to say goodbye in a good way, and they both were outstanding in this sense.
“And we will never forget this year with them. Thank you for everything, and they deserve everything.”
Rodri loses two key players
While Rodri’s future at the club remains a point of contention, the Spaniard will still lose two players who reduced stress around him.
Bernardo’s presence gave the 29-year-old a safe passing option when games became tight. The Portuguese international could keep the ball moving under pressure.
John Stones was also an important partner for Rodri. The Englishman’s importance grew when he could step into the midfield, offering an extra player in the middle third.
City have planned for Stones, but not fully for Silva
Man City can at least point to a defensive succession plan after Stones. Abdkodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis were both signed in January 2025.
While neither can replace Stones directly, they have shown great promise this season. Khusanov has excelled during injury crises, and Reis is having a strong season with Girona.
However, City are yet to sign a successor for Silva. The midfielder’s profile is hard to find, and moves for the closest matches are expected this summer.
