Rodri: Ballon d’Or doesn’t compensate for injury; focused on returning to 100%

The Spanish midfielder and Manchester City player, Rodri, has stated that the Ballon d’Or received last year did not compensate for the time lost due to an injury. Rodri, who was out of the courts for a large part of last season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament, received the prestigious individual award a month after the injury. However, this did not mitigate his disappointment.

The injury is much more significant than the Ballon d’Or. It was a breath of fresh air at a time when I was having a really bad time.

Rodri

These statements were made at a press conference prior to the World Cup qualifying match between Spain and Turkey.

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Rodri also stated that, despite the recognition, his main goal is to regain his level and enjoy football again. “I am happy for the recognition, but it is of no use to me. I still want to be the same player. Above all, when you go through this process mentally, I want to get back to my level, I want to enjoy football again. That is my only goal,” he added. Regarding his current physical condition, Rodri mentioned that he has played two matches with his club this season, one of them complete, and that he is working to regain his best form. The player, who came on as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Bulgaria, acknowledges the competition he now has at a national level with Martín Zubimendi, who joined Arsenal this summer.

Rodri not only welcomes this competition, but also told Zubimendi, 26, that he represents the future of the team.

He’s a great player. He has the discipline and mentality that can lead him to be one of the best, if he isn’t already.

Rodri

Rodri added that he told Zubimendi that it was his moment and that he was leaving him the keys to the team. “He has been at an incredible level and I am glad to see the team at the same level. I am very happy to be back here. I am recharged and very excited, physically I feel very good. Now it’s a matter of getting back into the rhythm,” he concluded. The national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, who sent his best wishes to Luis Enrique after his operation for a fractured collarbone, stated that Rodri is ready to play.

We’ll see how the training goes… but he’s in perfect condition. He could be a starter or not. The most important news is that he’s here to give us a lot of joy.

Luis de la Fuente