Spanish international Rodri, Manchester City player, spoke about his Ballon d’Or victory and the brilliance of FC Barcelona since the start of the current season.
“The Ballon d’Or is a victory for my whole family,” Rodri said in an interview with the “El Partidazo” program on Radio Cadena Cuba about his prestigious award. “I don’t care about those who weren’t there (Real Madrid players). It was my moment. I felt a lot of respect from the fans. I wouldn’t have behaved like that, but They have their reasons,” he added, according to Al-Sharq Deportes.
The Ballon d’Or winner praised FC Barcelona’s brilliance under coach Hansi Flick, saying: “There are a lot of Spanish players that I love.”
Rodri added: “One of the wonderful congratulations I received was from Andrés Iniesta. He also deserved the Ballon d’Or. He is the best in the history of our country, and I was ashamed to answer him.
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He continued: “Busquets is my role model and my reference at all times. We are very good friends.”
Regarding the present and future of FC Barcelona, Rodri spoke about Lamine Yamal, saying: “He’s a different player. I’ve known Lamine since he was 16, and Morata and I always look out for him. Stay focused , because it is very important.”
Rodri admitted: “When I was 17 I was thinking about leaving football because I was struggling in the youth categories at Atlético and Villarreal, thinking I would never progress. But a call with my father changed everything. When you’re young, you also go through difficult times, so you’re prepared when you get to elite teams.”
On watching Manchester City games while currently injured, Rodri said: “I suffer when I see my team playing and I can’t be on the pitch. I have the challenge of being able to play before the end of the season.”
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