MANCHESTER, England — Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League playoff against Real Madrid, Manchester City supporters made their feelings known by displaying a large banner featuring Rodri, the midfielder who last year was awarded the Ballon d’Or, prominently kissing his trophy.
The banner served to taunt both the Madrid team and their star player, Vinicius Junior, who finished second in the voting for the prestigious award.
Madrid had chosen to skip the gala held in Paris in October where Rodri received his accolade, leading to speculation and tension surrounding their absence.
The banner included the phrase “Stop crying your heart out,” a nod to a famous song by Oasis, indicating the ongoing rivalry between the clubs.
In the lead-up to the match, Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on the team’s controversial decision to not attend the ceremony, claiming it was a respectful choice based on their belief that Vinicius deserved to win.
“I don’t think it was the wrong decision,” Ancelotti stated. “We chose not to participate as we believed that Vinicius was the rightful winner due to his outstanding season.”
He continued to acknowledge Rodri’s abilities, emphasizing that the decision was not a slight against him.
City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, attempted to downplay the situation, asserting that there was no animosity between the two clubs despite the circumstances.
Defender Ruben Dias supported this sentiment, stating that he didn’t consider any disrespect attached to the banner. “Honestly, I didn’t spend a moment worrying about whether it was disrespectful. I was just excited for Rodri and shared in the celebration with him that evening,” Dias remarked.
The atmosphere leading into the match has been charged, with both teams eager to assert their dominance on the European stage.