'Cannot respect' - Rodri blasts Real Madrid in Man City transfer boost

Rodri has blasted Real Madrid for their decision to boycott the Ballon d'Or awards that saw the Manchester City star walk away with the big prize.

City's midfielder was competing with Real's Vinicius Junior for the top honour, and while Real celebrated a league and Champions League double Rodri racked up a record unbeaten run in English football and then won the award for the best player at the European Championship as Spain beat England in the final. In a tight contest, Rodri emerged victorious on the night.

Real did win in a number of categories, but nobody from the Spanish giants was there to celebrate after deciding to cancel their coverage of the event and boycott it when they heard rumours that Vinicius had not won the big individual prize. Rodri held his counsel on the night, but has now spoken about a decision that he 'cannot respect' from a club that is reportedly keen on signing him; City want the injured midfielder to sign a new deal and will be encouraged by the comments.

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"It's a decision of individuals or clubs in general to decide what to do. I cannot respect the decision, I always said I wouldn't do it in the same way," he told The Rest is Football podcast.

"I remember last year that maybe Erling [Haaland] was close to winning it, I wanted to be there with him to support with all the club and even though Leo won it, we were there clapping him because Ballon d'Or is a recognition not for a player, it's for a year, for a level of a guy for a whole year. So in sport and in life, it's important to win.

"But I think even more how to lose and I say always the same, it was my moment, I didn't want to speak about others. They didn't want to be there - I want to be with my club, with my family, the people that were there and clapped me and that was a fantastic moment."

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