Rodri is surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo's 'unfair' joke as the Ballon d'Or row continues.
The Manchester City star claimed the prize at the end of last year. He was given the gong after his standout performances helped City claim another Premier League title, while also helping Spain to the 2024 European Championship.
Rodri guided Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr to the Ballon d'Or. And that decision sparked a bitter fallout, with the Spanish giants choosing to snub the glitzy ceremony in Paris.
Even six-time winner Ronaldo weighed in, claiming it was “unfair” for Rodri to claim the award. He said: “In my opinion he (Vinicius) deserved to win the golden ball [Ballon d’Or award]. It was unfair in my opinion. I say [it] here for everyone.
“They gave it to Rodri. He deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final.”
And Rodri has now spoken out about these comments with a telling response to the Portuguese veteran. Speaking to AS, he said: “Well, it was actually a surprise, because he knows better than anyone how this prize works and especially how the winner is chosen.
“This year, the journalists who vote have decided that I should win the election. It was probably the same journalists who at one point voted for him to win the election, and I imagine he would have agreed.”
It is not the first time that Rodri has spoken out about the ongoing feud months after he was awarded the Ballon d'Or. He also commented on Real Madrid's decision not to attend the ceremony.
In November he said: 'It didn't hurt me that they [Real Madrid] were not present. It was my moment, with my family, and the last thing on my mind were the people who didn't come to the gala.
“Did I receive any congratulations from Madrid? There were some from former players of this club, such as Nacho and Joselu, with whom I shared a dressing room.
“I didn't miss the fact that Vinicius didn't congratulate me. I care about my people, my family and my club. I wouldn't have done what Real Madrid did by not showing up at the gala, but there's no point in thinking about it to think.” more.”
The 28-year-old Rodri is still sidelined due to a serious knee injury, but shares the ambition to return before the end of the season. City are back in action this weekend when they take on West Ham at the Etihad.
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