Rodri has been reported to police by neighbours who say the Manchester City midfielder has been flying a drone close to the windows of their apartments.
Residents in a high-rise building in Salford claim the 29-year-old’s hobby has raised privacy concerns after the drone was seen hovering near their homes.
Police are now planning to speak to the Spanish international to ensure he understands the regulations governing drone use.
One resident said he and his partner were watching television when they noticed a drone with a flashing green light hovering about a metre from their window.
«My wife was very unsettled by it,» the resident said. «One of the advantages of living so high up is that nobody can look into your home, but now we have a drone appearing outside the window.»
Residents raise privacy concerns
Several people living in the building have reportedly asked the concierge to contact the management of the block where Rodri lives. Others have contacted police, claiming the flights may breach rules governing where drones can operate and what they can record.
Another resident said the drone was seen flying from Rodri’s penthouse terrace before returning there later.
«He has all the money in the world and spends his time flying a drone outside people’s windows,» the resident said, adding that his partner reported the issue via the police non-emergency number.
Some residents also raised the matter in a building WhatsApp group, with one person suggesting the activity could breach voyeurism or harassment laws as well as aviation regulations.
Photos circulating among residents reportedly show Rodri standing on his balcony holding a drone controller.
Authorities reviewing complaint
The Civil Aviation Authority says drone operators must respect privacy and avoid causing nuisance. Pilots must also pass a theory test and register with the regulator before flying most drones.
Rodri, who joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in a £63 mln transfer in 2019, won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they had received a complaint and said officers were making enquiries. Manchester City were contacted for comment.
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