Questioned for having made Vinicius sing after winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Rodri denies having disrespected the Brazilian striker.
Rodri did not shy away from his pleasure after the announcement of his coronation on the stage of the Théâtre du Chatelet. The Citizens and La Roja player, the first defensive midfielder to be crowned since 1990, expressed all his happiness, ignoring the bitterness displayed by Vinicius, the big favorite to succeed Lionel Messi, and all the Madrid camp. Such frustration that Real Madrid refused to make the trip to the capital.
If he remained measured in front of the microphones, it was quite different during the evening organized by his relatives in a restaurant in the capital. A video posted on social networks by Manchester City showed him singing “Vinicius ciao, ciao, ciao” to the tune of “Bella ciao”. Enough to earn him severe criticism, with many Madrid supporters pointing out his lack of respect for his opponent.
Ballon d'Or: Rodri denies any lack of respect
Guest of the Partizado de Cope show on Monday evening, the Spanish midfielder firmly denied these accusations.
“People need to understand that this is about good sportsmanship, it was a private party, he confided. If we put a camera in each of our houses… I didn't disrespect anyone, it's like another rivalry. I respect Vinicius. »
According to him, Rodri did not take the boycott of the ceremony by Real Madrid badly. “Once I win it, it’s time for me to enjoy it with my family. I don't think about the people who didn't come and who didn't want to enjoy the gala. It’s better if everyone was there, it’s full of children and it would have been great, but not for the part that touches me”he assured, only confiding his surprise when “Vinicius!” Vinicius” could be heard when his victory was announced: “I'm in disbelief because I was waiting and half the room was shouting 'Vinicius, Vinicius'…”
