Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, has sent a clear message to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian’s decision to turn down his ticket to last month’s Ballon d’Or’s ceremony in Paris, France.
Rodri claimed that he ‘would not have acted the same way’ Vinicius did.
Vinicius had been considered the strong favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or after playing a key role in Real Madrid winning the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup last season.
But a leak in the build-up to the Ballon d’Or ceremony indicated that Rodri would scoop the award after a brilliant year with both Manchester City and Spain.
Recall that the 28-year-old midfielder won both the Premier League and Euro 2024.
As a result, Vinicius and Real Madrid’s delegation cancelled their trip to Paris in protest of their winger failing to win the award ahead of Rodri.
Speaking to France Football, Rodri said: “When your value is recognised at a very high level, final winner or not, it’s good to come.
“Besides, there is also the collective aspect that’s important. For example, Erling [Haaland] was in a better position than me to win last year. I wanted to come to support him in a special moment.
“So when I made the decision to come it was above all to enjoy this superb evening.”
When specifically asked about Vinicius’ decision to snub the event, Rodri said: “What do you want me to tell you?
“That I would have preferred everyone to be there? Of course, I would have.
“The second, third, fourth, etcetera were all missing… I have to respect everyone’s decision. Even if I would not have acted the same way.”