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It seems as if Manchester City might keep their antennas up, as the Ballon D’or winner Rodri recently stated in a podcast that he would be open to hearing out offers if Real Madrid came knocking.
Manchester City’s Rodri (AP)
Nobody denies hearing out Real Madrid when they come knocking. Not even Manchester City’s Ballon D’Or winner Rodri who stated that he shall “pay attention” if “the best club in history” comes in with an offer for him.
After what can only be termed as a whirlwind of a build-up to the grand event, it was finally Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri who took home the coveted Golden Ball, beating out Real Madrid superstars Vinicius Jr at second and Jude Bellingham at third.
Rodri, 28, was and continues to be a pivotal cog in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, with whom the Spaniard clinched a fourth-successive Premier League.
The No.6, who has arguably proven himself to be the best in his role, also was the engine behind Spain’s glorious EURO 2024 campaign, which saw them clinch the coveted title yet again after 2012. Rodri also claimed the Player of the Tournament at EURO 2024 to add to his personal accomplishments along the process.
But, it seems as if Manchester City might keep their antennas up, as the Ballon D’or winner recently stated in a podcast that he would be open to hearing out offers if Los Blancos came knocking.
“When Real Madrid, the best club in history, the club with the most titles, and all that it represents, comes calling, well clearly it is an honor and you have to pay attention,” Rodri replied before immediately adding that he was happy at City.
Rodri also had his say on Real Madrid’s mass boycott of the coveted Ballon D’Or ceremony upon news of winger Vinicius Jr not taking home the Golden Ball.
“It’s a decision that a person or a club have their reasons to take, and I don’t want to give it more importance,” he told Spainsh outlet Cadena Ser.
In an era of football which seems to veer focus towards forwards and their goalscoring exploits, Rodri’s win comes across as a fair remainder of the other side of the game: controlling tempo and dictating the pace of play.
The Spaniard himself expounded on the bigger picture that his win represents, stating his joy at seeing the uncelebrated art of being a pivotal midfielder being recognised and rewarded at the biggest of stages in football.
“The influence of the central midfielder is often only valued when it is missing, it is almost an invisible side of soccer,” he said. “I believe that this Ballon d’Or helps shine light on its value.”