He had picked it up on crutches at the Châtelet theater, still prevented by his rupture of the cruciate ligament in his right knee a few weeks earlier. But on the lawn of the Etihad Stadium, his lair since 2019, Rodri appeared on both legs.
The first player in the history of the Mancunian club had the honor of entering the stadium pitch, plunged into complete darkness. In the middle of the spotlight, the European champion with Spain found the Ballon d'Or which was located in the middle of the field to the now well-known sound of “Freed from Desire”.
Behind the letters RODRI located behind him, the midfielder even indulged in a few dance steps to the “Rodri's on fire” from the Etihad public. A huge show which was enough to heat up the public before the match against Tottenham on the 12th day of the Premier League. A crucial meeting for the Citizens who have four consecutive defeats in all competitions.
Nothing to doubt the Mancunian leaders who extended the Sky Blues manager Pep Guardiola for two years. The Spanish technician is now linked to the club until 2027, having joined City in 2016. When he entered the pitch, Guardiola also received a standing ovation, before hugging the new Ballon d'Or. For his return home, City wants to remind us of his caliber.
