Rodri opens up on taunting Arsenal fans with shirtless celebration at the Emirates

Manchester City midfielder Rodri opened up on his controversial shirtless celebration in front of the Arsenal fans last season.

Arsenal travel to the Etihad to take on City next Wednesday in a game many have tipped to decide the course of the Premier League title.

The Gunners are currently at the league summit, though only four points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side, who have a game in hand.

While next week’s heavyweight encounter carries unique significance, games between City and Arsenal have often been fiercely contested in recent years.

Indeed, in one game last season, City narrowly claimed a 2-1 over the Gunners, courtesy of a last-gasp Rodri goal.

Upon snatching the three points for his side, the City midfielder sprinted over to the Arsenal fans, ripped off his shirt and slid on his knees.

The Spaniard then punched the air and cheered before swathes of infuriated Gooners.

Rodri opens up on celebration

Rodri admitted that though he found his fraught relationship with opposition fans funny, he is also not afraid to show passion on the pitch.

On his last-minute winner against Arsenal last term, the 26-year-old said via the Manchester Evening News: "On the pitch sometimes you have to change the mentality. I’m a winner and sometimes when you want to win and if they’re trying to do something you have to do also do that.

"This is part of football but players understand that what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch and this is the good thing. If you asked the City fans they would say the same about Liverpool players or United players.

"It’s good for football, that rivalry. Of course, there are times, because football is very euphoric when you don’t think much but I always try to respect the opponents. I never do these things to disrespect.

"I think I’m a very polite guy. I don’t show much of these kinds of things but sometimes things happen."