It was supposed to be a celebration – everything was actually ready for it – but it turned into a disaster! A debacle, complete chaos. After learning that Vinicius Junior would not be lifting the Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid’s top officials decided to cancel the entire reception and celebration for the award – as well as a few others received by their members – and chose not to attend the ceremony in Paris. And although sources from Santiago Bernabeu say they wanted to express dissatisfaction toward France Football and UEFA, insisting they have nothing against Rodri, it’s hard to avoid the impression that they showed disrespect toward the officially recognized best player for the 2023/24 season.Rodri wins Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid boycott the ceremonyHowever, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is completely fine with the current European champions not wanting to congratulate his player on winning the prestigious individual award. He did, however, remind that his team also had grounds to complain about injustice last season but responded in an entirely different manner. He didn‘t want to comment on Real‘s reactions.”Nothing to say. If they want to go, fine. If they don’t, fine. We are not here to judge what other clubs decide what they have to do. Of course, if Vinicius had won it would be more than well deserved – like last season when Erling was there and didn’t win and congratulated Leo. I said to Erling, let’s try next season to be there again’. Erling was fifth this year and that is magnificent. Last season for us Erling won the Treble, scored more than 50 goals and I said to him even being there you have to be happy. You have to be so satisfied. Last season Erling should have won, but Messi should have won. In the end, it’s not important. You and your teammates have done a really nice season and if people believe another should have won it’s fine. Vinicius? Maybe. But it’s 100 journalists all around the world. There are different opinions, that’s why football is nice“ said the City boss.Vinicius Junior’s message upon Ballon d’Or defeat will detonate the football worldGuardiola tried to move the focus to his player, who was actually the star of the evening and who was voted the best player in the world.”Rodri made an incredible speech speaking especially about Spanish football. Spanish football in the last decade made an incredible thing with different trainers and players and were never able to win this award. Rodri perfectly represents City but also Spanish football and their influence in world football has been massively important – not just winning trophies but the way they play. I remember there was once a time when three players from La Masia were nominated. Xavi and Iniesta couldn’t win it because Messi is a monster, and no one can beat him, only Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s a monster, and the father of that monster is Messi” said the Spaniard.##NAJAVA_MECA_8456980##
