Manchester City star Rodri has been on the sidelines since September and aims to return to the pitch at some point this season.
The Spain international has given a detailed interview to AS where he discussed several topics and reviewed last year where he won the Euros with La Roja, title with Manchester City and Ballon d’Or.
Rodri claims winning the individual award has changed his life and explains how it has had a positive impact on him.
“Yes, it has changed my life. I talked about it with the people around me. Maybe I wasn’t aware of it when I won it, but it has changed my life,” he said.
“The magnitude of going out on the street is no longer the same. A lot of things that I used to be able to do, I obviously can’t do anymore. But well, it’s for a good reason, it’s for that recognition that I’ve had and that has been so important for me and my family. It is an unforgettable moment.”
The 28-year-old is also thrilled with the reception he received from Manchester City after winning the Ballon d’Or.
His club teammate, Mateo Kovačić, has experienced the Ballon d’Or party when he was at Real Madrid. The Spaniard shared the Croatian’s reaction when discussing what the English champions did for him.
“Something brutal. I was talking about it with Kovačić, he’s experienced Ballon d’Or parties in Madrid, but he told me he’d never seen anything like it. Very few places have treated a player like City have. I will be eternally grateful for what they did,” Rodri explained.
Meanwhile, the Citizens have struggled in the Euro 2024 winner’s absence as they have two wins from last 14 matches. Pep Guardiola has cited Rodri’s injury setback as one of the reasons for his side’s recent poor run.
AS specifically asked the former Atlético Madrid man whether he’s afraid of not regaining his best form.
“No, I’m not afraid. I know the player I am. I know that nowadays this kind of injuries are not like 30 years ago. Besides, the medical staff has given me infinite peace of mind in that sense, that I shouldn’t worry, that I can come back without anything that will weigh me down,” he said.
“But well, when you’re six, seven or eight months out of the field of play, it’s not easy to get back on your feet. You have to go little by little.”
