Rodri hits back at Real Madrid for Ballon d'Or boycott - 'I cannot respect'
Manchester City star Rodri, who retains hope of returning from injury this season, has spoken out against Real Madrid's decision to snub his Ballon d'Or win
by Alan Smith · The MirrorManchester City star Rodri has said he “cannot respect” Real Madrid’s decision to boycott last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The injured midfield star was named the world ’s best player at a lavish ceremony in Paris. But Real, who had several players in contention, decided to boycott it en masse when they learnt that Rodri would get the nod over Brazil forward Vinicius Jr.
Now Rodri has claimed he would never make such a decision - pointing to Erling Haaland finishing behind Lionel Messi a year earlier as an example of recognising other players for their achievements.
"Well, it's a decision of individuals or clubs in general to decide what to do,” Rodri told the Rest is Football podcast.
“I cannot respect the decision, I always said I wouldn't do it in the same way. I remember last year that maybe Erling was close to winning it I wanted to be there with him to support with all the club.
"And even though Leo 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.
“So in sport and in life, it's important to win. But I think even more how to lose and I say always the same, it was my moment, I didn't want to speak about others. They didn't want to be there - I want to be with my club, with my family, the people that were there and clapped me and that was a fantastic moment."
While Pep Guardiola's team appear to be coming off the rails following a shocking run of form since Rodri tore his cruciate ligament, the holding midfielder has revealed he retains some hope that he can come back before the campaign finishes.
City will be part of the inaugural expanded Club World Cup, which runs to mid-July, and Rodri 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.
“I don't want to run, you know, I don't want to make mistakes. But yeah, that's my mentality. I don't know when - my target is six, seven months, but the physios, they will dictate."
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