Rodri has hit out at Real Madrid and labelled them sore losers for boycotting his Ballon d’Or win.
The Manchester City superstar pipped Real’s Vinicius Junior to the prestigious award last month. Real bosses refused to attend the Paris ceremony after finding out Rodri had won – and banned their own TV channel from broadcasting the event.
Now Rodri has accused the Spanish giants of lacking class – and being disrespectful to him and his club. He said: “I cannot respect their decision. In sport and in life, it’s not just about winning – it’s about how you lose. They didn’t want to be there, but for me, it was about celebrating with my club, my family, and the people who supported me.
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“I remember last year that maybe Erling (Haaland) was close to winning it and I wanted to be there with him to support with all the club. And even though Leo (Messi) won it, we were there clapping him because Ballon d’Or is a recognition not for a player, it’s for a year, for a level of a guy for a whole year.”
Rodri, meanwhile, has offered City boss Pep Guardiola a much needed boost after claiming he could return to action before the end of the season.
(Image: Getty Images)
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The midfielder was expected to be sidelined until next summer after tearing his cruciate ligament. His absence has coincided with City slumping to six games without a win, to leave the English champions in crisis.
But the 28-year-old added: “My target is to come back this season. I think in terms of my mentality, it’s going to be positive for me to not give up the season and throw it.”