Star Manchester City midfielder Rodri has dismissed any talk of a rift with Vinicius Junior following his boycott of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The Spanish international picked up the 2024 men’s award ahead of the Real Madrid star.
“I have nothing against Vini Jr.,” Rodri told Spanish radio station Onda Cero. “I have maximum respect for him, for everything he did that Ballon d’Or year as well. It’s other people who decide who wins the Ballon d’Or. They tried to put us against each other, but that’s not the case.”
Tensions flared when City fans unveiled a tifo at the Etihad Stadium during their 2024 encounter, taunting Real Madrid and Vini Jr. for boycotting the event after he did not win the most prestigious individual award in men’s football.
The duo have since faced each other regularly, with UEFA drawing the two clubs against each other in six of the last seven UEFA Champions League campaigns. The most recent of these encounters came in the Round of 16, with the Spanish club once again advancing.
“It doesn’t matter if they arrive at the match in a good or bad moment, Real Madrid is always Real Madrid,” he added.
Rodri, who has a year left on his contract, has now fuelled speculation about a possible return to Spain, most likely with Real Madrid.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is incredible. It’s a very intimidating place,” said the Spanish international. “The fact that I played for Atltico Madrid does not stop me from playing for Real Madrid. You cannot refuse the best clubs in the world.”
Rodri played for the red side of Madrid, the Rojiblancos, for a single season in 2018/19 before his €70 million move to Manchester City. Prior to that, he was with Villarreal CF, where he progressed through the ranks from their B team.
“I hadn’t planned to play outside of Spain in my career but Manchester City came up as an option in 2019 and I said yes,” he elaborated. “I have one year left on my contract at Man City. At some point, we’ll have to sit down and talk. Real Madrid is not a closed door for me,” he told Onda Cero.
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