Rodri is aiming to return this season, despite the Manchester City midfielder being ruled out until next year with a serious knee injury.
The Spaniard suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in September. After undergoing surgery, City announced that he would be out until next season.
However, the 28-year-old told The Rest Is Football Podcast that he wants to play again this year. “My goal is to return this season,” Rodri said. “In terms of my mentality, it would be a positive for me not to give up on the season. I don't want to run [go to fast in the attempt] – I don’t want to make mistakes. But that's my mentality. I don't know when that will be, my goal is 6-7 months, but my physical therapist will dictate. ”
Rodri became the second Spaniard to win the Ballon d'Or in October. As a result of this decision, Real Madrid did not attend the ceremony in Paris, believing that forward Vinicius Junior should have won the award.
Rodri said: “It is the decision of the individual or the whole club to decide what to do. I cannot respect that decision, I have always said that I will not do it the same way – last year. I remember, probably Erling [Haaland] He was close to winning. I wanted to be there to support him along with the rest of the club. Even though I'm a Leo [Messi] The Ballon d'Or is not an award for the player, but for the level of the player over the course of a year. Therefore, winning is important, both in sports and in life. But I think it's more important how you lose. [with respect].
“I always say the same thing: 'This was my moment, so I didn't want to talk about anyone else.' They didn't want to be there. [up to them]. ”I want to be with the club, my family, the people who were there and applauded me. That was a great moment. ”
After newsletter promotion
At the moment, Rodri does not want to become a coach after retiring. “At this point, I can say no. Pep, I see, I see. [other] Coaches, they live a life just like the rest of us when it comes to travel, and they travel a lot. I don't know if I want that in the next period of my life. In that moment, no, I was always saying, “I see. [City sporting director] Tiki's [Begiristain] face, and I like it more. He looks cleaner and more relaxed. ”
