What's happened
Rodri, recovering from knee surgery, expressed honor at Real Madrid's interest but reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester City. Meanwhile, Spain's new migration policy aims to legalize undocumented workers to address labor shortages, reflecting the country's demographic challenges.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, Rodri stated, "When Real Madrid...comes calling, well clearly it is an honor and you have to pay attention," but he quickly added he is happy at City. This sentiment is echoed by his recent achievements, including winning the Ballon d'Or, which he believes brings attention to the often-overlooked role of defensive midfielders.
On the migration front, the New York Times reports that Spain's new rules, effective May 2025, aim to legalize undocumented migrants who have lived in Spain for at least two years. Migration Minister Elma Saiz emphasized that this policy is not just about human rights but also about economic necessity, stating, "Spain needs about 250,000 foreign workers a year to maintain its welfare state." However, critics like Patricia Fernández argue that the process remains excessively rigorous, potentially leading to long delays in obtaining residence permits. This reflects a broader trend in Europe where anti-immigrant sentiment is rising despite a decrease in migrant arrivals, as noted by the New York Times.
How we got here
Rodri, a key player for Manchester City, recently won the Ballon d'Or, marking a significant achievement for a defensive midfielder. Concurrently, Spain's government is implementing new migration policies to address labor shortages amid a declining birthrate.
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