Rodri is still on cloud nine. It’s been over two weeks since his unexpected, highly-discussed, and well-deserved win at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 28 at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris, and the midfielder is still celebrating this prestigious award as he handles his media appearances.

Happily posing with his new trophy—which he keeps close—Rodri recalled that night in an interview with Cadena COPE, where he also mentioned the wave of support Vinícius Jr. received back in Spain, his home country.

“I think it’s great that people can vote for what they feel and want. What I’ll say is that we’re a unique country. I feel like we’re often more attached to our club than our country. It’s not like that everywhere. That’s just my view,” Rodri explained, understanding why so many fans, players, and clubs would back the Real Madrid winger. Wanting to keep things cool, the Manchester City player tried to downplay any drama over Real Madrid’s boycott of the ceremony.

“There’s no disrespect here, it’s just part of the rivalry. I have huge respect for Vinícius, for Real Madrid, for everyone who had the chance to win the Ballon d’Or… It’s just not my club. They had their reasons and motivations. I wouldn’t have done the same, but that doesn’t make it right or wrong. Everyone makes their own choices, and that’s that. No need to dwell on it,” he said wisely, aiming to keep things calm while the tension from that night still lingers in Spain’s capital. Like on the field, Rodri prefers to show restraint, clarity, and good sense in the spotlight.