[MyDaily = Reporter Noh Chanhyuk] Manchester City midfielder Rodri was reported to police by neighbors after allegedly flying a drone near their apartment windows.
The Sun reported on March 10 (Korean time) that residents clashed with Rodri and called the police, saying a drone had been flown outside their apartment windows.
Neighbors told the outlet that Rodri’s drone hobby crossed the line into an invasion of privacy and that they worry he could see them relaxing inside their homes.
One resident said, "My wife and I live on a high floor. I didn’t expect to see a drone hovering right outside our window — about 1 meter (roughly 3.3 feet) away. My wife is very upset. One of the benefits of living high up is being out of view, but Rodri and his drone have made life miserable."
Another resident added, "We saw the drone fly past our windows and then return to Rodri’s penthouse terrace. It feels like someone with all the money in the world is spending time pointing drones at people’s windows."
The UK Civil Aviation Authority says drone pilots must respect others' privacy and avoid causing a nuisance. Most operators are required to pass a theory test and register with the CAA before flying. Greater Manchester Police confirmed they have received complaints and are checking the facts.
Rodri joined Manchester City in 2019 and played a key role in the club’s 2022–23 treble, which included the club’s first UEFA Champions League title. He went on to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024, cementing his status as one of the world’s top midfielders.
Off the pitch, he has faced recent controversy. Last month, after showing dissent at a referee’s decision in the match against Tottenham Hotspur, he was fined £80,000 (about ₩160,000,000), roughly $120,000.
