‘I’d vote for Carvajal, and Vinicius too’

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri said he has no issue with Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid.

Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony last month after they reportedly did not wish to attend when they found out that he would finish second.

“Why would it hurt me? It was my moment, to enjoy with my family. The last thing I’d be thinking about is people who weren’t there, and didn’t want to participate,” Rodri said in an interview with COPE radio.

“I respect Vinicius hugely, and Real Madrid, and anyone who knows me knows it… I’d vote for [Dani] Carvajal, and Vinicius too. Maybe Carvajal second,” he added.

It emerged that Rodri received 41 points more than the Brazil international in voting by a panel of 100 international journalists, with Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal finishing third and fourth in the poll.

The 28-year-old Rodri, who was a leading figure in Manchester City’s English Premier League title triumph also played a pivotal role in Spain’s European Championship victory.

“An incredible night for me. It’s a special day for me, my family and my country,” Rodri had said upon receiving the award.

“I always try to improve every day, the level of my game, [playing] the modern holding midfielder role, playing further forward. I’m just a normal guy, I enjoy sport, enjoy my profession. I try to be a good person, try to be a leader. I’m a calm person, until I get upset. I’d like to show the kids that you don’t have to be crazy, you can be a normal guy, try to do your best,” he added.