Manchester Metropolis midfielder Rodri hits again at Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or criticism

Rodri says he was “stunned” that his Ballon d’Or success was criticised by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rodri received the award in October for his half in serving to Manchester Metropolis win the Premier League and Spain the European Championship.

The choice sparked a robust response from Actual Madrid who boycotted the award ceremony in protest on the truth Rodri was given the trophy over Vinicius Jr and Ronaldo, talking on the Globe Soccer awards earlier this month, additionally thought the Brazil winger was exhausting executed to.

Ronaldo mentioned: “Vinicius Jr ought to have received the Ballon d’Or, for my part it was clear.

“It was unfair. Because of this I like Globe Soccer Awards, they’re sincere.”

Rodri on his Ballon d’Or reception at #ManCity: “I used to be speaking with Kovacic: he has skilled Ballon d’Or events in Madrid, however he informed me that he had by no means seen something prefer it. Only a few locations deal with gamers as Metropolis do. I will likely be ETERNALLY GRATEFUL for what they did!” 🥰 pic.twitter.com/PN75vhxjGN

— Metropolis Report (@cityreport_) January 1, 2025

Ronaldo ought to know higher – Rodri

Rodri believes Ronaldo, as a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, ought to have a greater understanding of how the award is set.

In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, the midfielder mentioned: “Properly, it was a shock, actually, as a result of he is aware of higher than anybody how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen.

“This yr, the journalists who vote have determined that I ought to win it.

“Most likely, these identical journalists had been those who sooner or later voted for him to win it, and I think about that then he would have agreed.”

Rodri admits profitable the award has change his life.

He added: “Perhaps I wasn’t conscious once I received it however sure, it has modified my life.

“Many issues I might do earlier than, now, clearly, not. Nevertheless it’s for an excellent cause, it’s due to that recognition that I’ve had and that has been so vital for me and my household. It’s an unforgettable second.”

Restoration goes nicely

Rodri is at the moment sidelined after rupturing his ACL in opposition to Arsenal however he stays assured of enjoying once more this season.

“Psychologically, [it’s going] a lot better than I assumed. It’s what I imagined by way of ache,” he mentioned. 

“The primary month was very sophisticated, however on a psychological stage it’s going higher than I assumed.

“I do know myself, I’m an individual who recovers nicely, an individual with a constructive mentality. The whole lot goes very nicely. In fact I wish to play once more this season.”

Metropolis have struggled with out him. The win at Leicester on Sunday was simply their second in 14 video games in all competitions they usually sit in sixth within the Premier League.

Don’t panic – Rodri

Rodri believes such slumps are inevitable after lengthy intervals of success and doesn’t assume it’s time for panic.

He mentioned: “It’s a time when the crew must be united. I do know we’re in a nasty second, a time which may be tough for us to know and wherein we aren’t feeling nicely, however ultimately that is a part of the game. It’s important to stand up. 

“The nice factor is that there’s time over the remainder of the season. Soccer modifications. I don’t assume this second could be very important ultimately, neither for good nor for unhealthy. You undergo phases all year long. The seasons are actually longer and maturity and being calm are vital. 

“Clearly, you don’t should calm down or consider that that is going to alter in a single day. That doesn’t occur in soccer. It has to step by step enhance. We’re in a state of affairs, I’d say, a bit borderline. It’s important to attempt to win, however with out panic.”