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Rodri sends heartwarming messages to girlfriend Laura and Manchester City after Ballon d’Or win
Manchester City have received a special message from defensive midfielder Rodri, following his 2024 Ballon d’Or win on Monday night.
The 28-year-old became the club’s first ever-recipient of arguably football’s greatest individual prize recognising the finest talent on the planet within the game, capping off a stellar year for the Spaniard.
In a season when Rodri won the FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League, and UEFA European Championships with Spain, the midfielder was a mainstay in all successes and claimed Player of the Tournament accolades in both Saudi Arabia and Germany.
Defeating competition from the likes of Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, as well as a number of his Manchester City teammates, Rodri became the first defensive midfielder to claim Ballon d’Or since 1990 and Lothar Matthaus.
Speaking upon claiming the latest edition of the Ballon d’Or, Rodri told those in attendance, “Today is a very special day – not just for me but for my family and for my country. First of all, I’d like to thank the most important person in the world for me – my girlfriend Laura.”
The midfielder explained, “Today is our anniversary and without her things wouldn’t have been the same. Thank you. And my family for the values they have taught me and the right steps for me to take and for helping me become the man I am.”
“Of course, who would have told you that one day I would be here when you took me to the matches, to the games with all your love feeding my dreams,” he said. “Obviously I don’t want to forget my team-mates. I understand that football is a group game.
“Manchester City, thank you so much, you are so special, I know I wouldn’t have made this without you. For me this is the best club in the world. I would like to thank my national team and Luis for trusting me.”
Rodri may not feature again for Manchester City this season owing to his serious knee injury, but his success at the very pinnacle of the sport will be celebrated long into the campaign, and those at the Etihad Stadium will welcome him back with open arms later on.
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