Rodri Reflects on Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or Criticism, Recovery Progress, and Return to the Field
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has opened up about his response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or comments, his intense recovery efforts from a serious ACL injury, and his determination to return to action this season.
Since Rodri’s absence, Manchester City has struggled to maintain form, highlighting his importance to Pep Guardiola’s team. The Spanish star, sidelined by injury, is fully focused on his recovery, spending hours daily on rehabilitation and treatment to rejoin his squad as soon as possible.
Rodri on Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or Criticism
Rodri expressed surprise at Ronaldo questioning his Ballon d’Or victory and suggesting that Vinicius Jr. deserved the award. “Ronaldo knows better than anyone how the award works,” Rodri remarked, emphasizing that the decision was made by journalists who once voted for Ronaldo himself.
Winning the Ballon d’Or, Rodri admits, has transformed his life. “The recognition has been life-changing for me and my family. It’s something I’ll never forget,” he said, reflecting on the magnitude of the honor.
Recovery Challenges and Mindset
Despite his injury, Rodri maintains a positive outlook. He’s fully committed to an intense recovery process, saying, “I’m doing three or four times as much as I would on a normal day—rehab, physio, and treatment sessions are non-stop.”
While acknowledging the challenges of being sidelined, Rodri remains optimistic about his return this season. “I know myself; I recover well, and my mental strength has been key. Everything is going very well, and I’m confident I’ll play again soon,” he stated.
City’s Struggles Without Rodri
Rodri acknowledged the team’s difficulties in his absence, pointing out how critical players like De Bruyne and himself affect the squad’s rhythm when unavailable. “This phase has been tough, but soccer is full of ups and downs. We need to stay calm and mature while working towards improvement,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Rodri is optimistic about City’s prospects, noting that the season is long and there’s time to recover their form. He also expressed hope of contributing to tournaments like the Nations League and the Club World Cup later this year.