The Ballon d'Or is still raging in Brazilian football. Everyone expected a triumph of Vinicius and the disappointment with Rodri's success was all the greater. Rivaldo, a man who won the trophy in his playing days, encouraged the 'Merengue' to turn the page and return to his best at Real Madrid.
“Vinicius must be forgotten about this Ballon d'Or storystart playing again and playing well for Real Madrid,” the former player told 'Betfair'. “He's young, he's old enough and he has the age and the football to change all that. He will one day win the Ballon d'Or. He can be the best in the world one or more times,” he continued to encourage the winger.
The former Barcelona player was not very happy with the vote for the award, which crowned a Rodri who was his second choice: “I cannot underestimate Rodri. He's a player that I like. For me he was my second choice, but I think Vinicius deserved the award more“. Rivaldo also questions whether the people in charge of voting have enough knowledge: “Do all journalists who vote really understand football? Are they all really qualified?”
As a former 'Culé'the Brazilian is an authorized voice to talk about the sweet moment his team is experiencing and, knowing the young age of many of its playershe asked for patience and calm in case the results deteriorated at any point. “We must be vigilant and not be careless. There will be other matches to continue to demonstrate their superiority, in the championship and in the Champions League. But in the meantime, boys have to play like they're 40with caution and circumspection. This is how you can be favorite in the Champions League or La Liga,” he explained.
