Manchester City star Rodri denies feud with Vinicius Junior set for La Liga transfer
Manchester City star midfielder Rodri has dismissed any talk of a rift with Vinicius Junior following their boycott of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Spanish international wins 2024 men’s award Ahead of the Real Madrid star.
“I have nothing against Vinnie Jr.,” Rodri told Spanish radio station Onda Cero. “I have the most respect for him, for what he did even in that Ballon d’Or year. It’s other people who decide who wins the Ballon d’Or. They tried to pit us against each other, but it’s not like that.”
Tensions rose when City fans unveiled a tifo at the Etihad Stadium during the 2024 clash, taunting Real Madrid and Vinny Junior for boycotting the event after not winning the most prestigious individual award in men’s football.
The two have faced each other regularly since then, with UEFA drawing the two clubs against each other in six of the last seven UEFA Champions League campaigns. The most recent of these matches took place in the round of 16, in which the Spanish club once again advanced.
“It doesn’t matter if they arrive at a good or bad moment in the match, Real Madrid is always Real Madrid,” he said.
Rodri, who has a year left on his contract, has now fueled speculation about a possible return to Spain, most likely with Real Madrid.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is incredible. It’s a very intimidating place,” the Spanish international said. “The fact that I have played for Atlético Madrid does not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid. You cannot refuse the best clubs in the world.”
Rodri played for the red team of Madrid, the Rojiblancos, for one season in 2018/19 before his €70 million transfer to Manchester City. Prior to this, he was with Villarreal CF, where he rose through the ranks from their B team.
“I hadn’t planned on playing outside Spain in my career, but Manchester City came up as an option in 2019 and I said yes,” he explained. “I have one year left on my contract at Man City. At some point we have to sit down and talk. Real Madrid is not a closed door for me,” he told Onda Cero.
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