Rodri has said he has no issues with Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid after they boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
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Rodri no problem with Vinicius, Real Madrid
Madrid’s delegation decided to skip the event upon learning that Vinicius would not receive the Ballon d’Or award.
The Spain international won the prize, finishing 41 points ahead of the Brazilian in the voting by a panel of 100 international journalists.
“Why would it hurt me [that VinÃcius wasn’t there]?” Rodri said in an interview with COPE radio on Monday.
“It was my moment, to enjoy with my family. The last thing I’d be thinking about is people who weren’t there, and didn’t want to participate.”
Rodri played a key role behind Manchester City’s Premier League title win last season and Spain’s victory at Euro 2024.
Meanwhile, Vinicius helped Madrid secure a LaLiga and Champions League double.
“I love that people vote what they feel. It’s someone’s opinion,” Rodri said.
“I respect VinÃcius hugely, and Real Madrid, and anyone who knows me knows it … I’d vote for Carvajal, and VinÃcius too. Maybe Carvajal second.”
Rodri’s future with City
Rodri, 28, is currently sidelined after sustaining a season-ending ACL injury last September.
The midfielder has been linked with a potential return to LaLiga with Real Madrid, despite being under contract with Manchester until 2027.
He previously played for Villarreal and Atletico Madrid before joining City in 2019.
“[Renewing my contract] isn’t my priority now,” he told COPE. “I want to recover [from my injury] and we’ll see … I like to live in the present, I’m very happy there [at City], it’s been my home since I arrived in England.”
“It doesn’t make sense to close any doors. But I feel very comfortable there.”
