FOOTBALL
Rodrigo pays release clause at LaLiga office
The Spanish midfielder has paid the €70 million release clause in his contract and is free to join Manchester City where he is expected to go.
There is no way back. Rodrigo Hernández has paid his €70 million release clause and will not continue at Atlético Madrid. The midfielder dropped the money into LaLiga's offices on Wednesday morning after weeks of speculation over his future.
He can sign with Manchester City with Pep Guardiola seeing him as a Fernandinho replacement.
With Atlético Madrid signing Llorente, who took Rodri's number 14 jersey before he had even left the club, Lodi and Felipe, they now have the funds to continue their squad overhaul.
Rodri was concerned about the sporting side of his development at Atlético but will move to Manchester City under Guardiola to play the role considered his best in a team that suits his style. Considered a long-term Sergio Busquets replacement in the Spain team, he will join the reigning Premier League title winners at 23 and after just one year at Atlético.