Rodri’s witty response to Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or rebuke. The Spanish midfielder did not fail to mischievously remind the Portuguese how the prestigious individual award works…
Cristiano Ronaldo’s statements about Rodri’s coronation at the last Ballon d’Or did not fail to make the main person react. During the Global Soccer Awards ceremony, the five-time Portuguese Ballon d’Or had indeed expressed reservations about the jury’s choice to elect the Spanish midfielder: “It was unfair. They gave it to Rodrigo who deserves it too. But I think they had to give it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League. » Remarks which were not to the Spaniard’s taste.
Rodri tackles Ronaldo with malice and wisdom
In an interview with the newspaper As, the Manchester City player reminded CR7 with finesse and humor of the rules for awarding the prestigious trophy:
It’s really a surprise, because he knows better than anyone how this prize works and especially how the winner is chosen. This year, the journalists who voted thought I should win it. These are probably the same journalists who at one point voted for him to win, and I imagine at that point he agreed.
A reminder full of wisdom. Because as the 26-year-old midfielder points out, the Ballon d’Or is awarded each year by an international jury made up of 100 specialized journalists, from a list of 30 preselected players. The voting method is therefore no secret for a regular like Ronaldo.
A hoped-for return before the end of the season
But Rodri’s thoughts are mainly focused on his return to competition. Victim of a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee last September against Arsenal, he is continuing his rehabilitation with the hope of being operational before the end of this exercise:
My goal is to come back this season. I’m not giving up on this season, (but) I don’t want to make any mistakes. My goal is six or seven months.
The Citizens, currently second in the Premier League, hope to recover their playing master for the home stretch, they who are still in the running in the Champions League and the FA Cup.
Ronaldo expected around the corner
As for Cristiano Ronaldo, criticism has been raining down since his transfer to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Many criticize him for having given in to the golden sirens of a weak championship. At 38 years old, the Portuguese will be keen to prove that he is not heading for a golden pre-retirement but rather to bring his immense experience to a football in full development. And why not win a sixth crown as the best player on the planet…
Rodri or Ronaldo, who will have the last word in this distance duel? One thing is certain, their reunion on or off the field will be closely scrutinized. The Spanish midfielder has in any case demonstrated, with this apt response, that he has the shoulders to don his new costume as the best player in the world. Looking forward to the sequel!