Manchester City linchpin Rodri admits it could be some time before he gets back to his best.
The Ballon d鈥橭r-winning midfielder missed most of the 2024-25 season after suffering a serious knee injury last September.
He returned to action only last month with a seven-minute run-out in City鈥檚 penultimate Premier League game against Bournemouth.
His comeback continued with two substitute appearances in the opening two matches at the Club World Cup, against Wydad Casablanca and Al Ain, but Rodri feels he is a long way short of peak fitness.
The Spain international said: 鈥淚 feel very good and very happy to be here. It鈥檚 an amazing tournament to start again to play football. I鈥檓 really excited to join the team again.
鈥淚 feel very, very strong, to be honest. The (recovery) process was long, but I was taking my time.
鈥淭he most important thing was to keep focused and be strong, not be sad or whatever.
鈥淥ne day I would come back and this day has finally come. I know it鈥檚 still going to be months until I reach my level but I鈥檓 so happy.鈥
Prior to sustaining his injury, Rodri had expressed concern about the number of games players at the top level were being asked to play.
He even suggested players could strike if their fears over burnout were not listened to.
He was discussing the matter in relation to the expanded Champions League group phase, but the issue has also been one of the chief criticisms aimed at the Club World Cup.
鈥淚 think we are close to that,鈥 the 29-year-old said. 鈥淚f it keeps this way, (there) will be a moment that we have no other option, but let鈥檚 see.鈥
If that is still his opinion now, he is keeping it to himself.
鈥淟isten, it鈥檚 not my decision,鈥 he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 here and excited to play.
鈥淢aybe if this tournament doesn鈥檛 happen, I would be on holiday but for me, individually, it鈥檚 a great opportunity to come back at the highest level and play a tournament we never played.
鈥淭he idea is amazing, honestly. I think we鈥檙e excited.鈥