The latest edition of the Ballon d’Or contest has brought up a somewhat unexpected rivalry between the winner, Rodri, and the runner-up, Vinicius Junior. And as if it was not enough that the Real Madrid forward decided not to show up for the ceremony, the dispute between the two – subtle to some extent, though – keeps attracting the attention of media across Europe.Vinicius Junior’s message upon Ballon d’Or defeat will detonate the football worldTalking to Spanish Cadena SER, Manchester City midfielder adviced the Brazilian to shift his focus solely to the pitch, and not the things around it. Rodri believes that his rival will learn to curb his focus.”I think he’s an intelligent guy and he will realise over time that the more he focuses on what’s happening on the pitch, the better he will be,” Rodri told Cadena SER.”He’s a great footballer. Like everyone, he has areas for improvement both on and off the field. He is young, and I am sure that people will advise him well, especially since he is in Madrid. It is a club with values.”Sometimes it tempts you and we all have our heart rate up when we play, but in the end we footballers are not only what we represent on the pitch, but also off it. Taking care of that part seems very important to me and I have always tried to do it.”Rodri: “Anyone who has played against Messi and CR7 knows Leo is the best!”Interestingly, Rodri was also asked about a hypothetical move to Real Madrid if Los Blancos decide to make a move for him.”Obviously, when Real Madrid calls you the best club in history and the most successful, with what it means, it is an honour. You always have to pay attention. It’s clear.”Last but not least, the Spain international also talked about the Ballon d’Or gala night, and revealed that he wasn’t even aware he’ll be the winner.”The first thing is to say that that day was a roller coaster. I was certain that I was not going to win because of all the information that had come out. This year, with the injury, I said I should go because not every day we were going to go to the Ballon d’Or gala. Then, the day changes and events emerge quickly. As the hours passed, optimism awakened, but my family and I decided not to get our hopes up. Nobody confirmed anything to me until George Weah opened the envelope, and it had my name on it,” explained Rodri.##NAJAVA_MECA_8519395##
