Manchester United midfielder, Rodri has reportedly stated that he will not respect the decision of Real Madrid to boycott the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in October after beating Vinicius Junior to the prestigious award.
Following an incredible season in which he won the European Championship with Spain and the Premier League title with City, the midfielder received the individual prize.
Vinícius, Rodri’s closest rival, declined to attend the celebration in Paris after finding out he would not be receiving the gong with the rest of the Madrid team and the club’s officials.
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“Well, it’s a decision of individuals or clubs in general to decide what to do. I cannot respect the decision, I always said I wouldn’t do it in the same way,” Rodri said on “The Rest is Football” podcast as echoed by the ESPN.
“I remember last year that maybe Erling [Haaland] was close to winning it I wanted to be there with him to support with all the club and even though Leo [Lionel Messi] 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.”
Although, at the presentation, Madrid were recognized as the men’s team of the year, and Carlo Ancelotti was named coach of the year. However, no club officials were present, therefore nobody was there to accept the awards.
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