MANCHESTER CITY star Rodri is not bothered by Real Madrid’s claim that their star player Vinicius Jr deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or instead of him.
Real boycotted the prestigious ceremony in France last month after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t be winning the esteemed award, claiming the decision was a sign of “disrespect” to the club.
Rodri was ultimately named the best male player of the year– with the Brazil international finishing as runner-up – after winning the Premier League with City and Euro 2024 with Spain.
Vinicius has not yet congratulated the star midfielder and has instead vowed to put in 10 times the effort to win it himself next year.
However, the Spain international insists Real and the forward’s reaction do not offend him.
Rodri told Cadena Cope: “All the Spanish clubs would have to congratulate me and they haven’t.
“I care about my family and my club. They must have their reasons; I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going over it.
“The mistake is giving so much attention to a club that hasn’t decided to participate.”
Rodri is expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury.
The Spaniard suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage in his right knee in September during Man City‘s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad.
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However, the ex-Atletico Madrid star is confident he will be back this term and teased he could actually play in this summer’s controversial Club World Cup despite criticising it a few months earlier.
Rodri said when asked whether he will be back this season: “Yes, yes.
“Plus, seasons are longer now, the Club World Cup finishes on July 13. I want to have that mental challenge.”
