Manchester City midfielder Rodri made his return on Tuesday after eight months out with a knee injury.
Rodri received a standing ovation as he came on to replace Erling Haaland in the 83rd minute of City’s 3-1 win against Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium.
It is the first time the 28-year-old has played since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September.
When Rodri sustained the injury, City were top of the Premier league but their season unravelled and they were forced to surrender their title to Liverpool, who won the league with four games to spare.
Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit third heading into their final game of the season against Fulham.
A draw at Craven Cottage is likely to be enough for City to secure Champions League football next season.
Rodri won the Ballon d’Or – awarded to the best footballer of the year – in 2024 after helping Spain win the Euros last summer.
He also won the Premier League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup with City last season.
