Rodri has taken a subtle swipe at Real Madrid following their controversial decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The Manchester City midfielder triumphed in securing the prestigious award last month, despite Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior being the frontrunner for much of the year.
The 24-year-old Brazilian played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double, scoring 24 goals and providing nine assists in 39 appearances.
However, it was Rodri, who helped Manchester City clinch a fourth consecutive Premier League title and secured Euro 2024 glory with Spain, who was named Ballon d’Or winner.
In doing so, he became only the second non-attacker to win the accolade since 2007.
Real Madrid’s frustration with the outcome was so intense that none of their players, including nominees like Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, attended the ceremony in Paris.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who received the Best Men’s Coach award, was also notably absent, as was club president Florentino Perez.
Now, Rodri has addressed the club’s boycott for the first time, emphasizing the importance of knowing how to handle defeat gracefully.
“When your value is recognised at a very high level, final winner or not, it’s good to come,” the Man City midfielder told France Football, the magazine which organises the Ballon d’Or.
“Besides there is also the collective aspect that’s important. For example, last year Erling [Haaland] was in a better position than me to win. I wanted to come to support him in a special moment.
“Knowing how to win but also knowing how to lose is important.
‘And then, this year, with my injury and the rehabilitation, this event was like a breath of fresh air.
“So when I made the decision to come it was above all to enjoy this superb evening.”
Asked specifically about Real’s boycott, the 28-year-old replied: “What do you want me to tell you?
“That I would have preferred everyone to be there?
“Of course, I did.
‘The second, third, fourth, etc. were all missing… [but] I have to respect everyone’s decision.
“Even if I would not have acted the same way.”
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