Almost a week after Rodri was awarded the Ballon d’Or, the controversy continues. While several observers have come to Vinicius Jr’s defence, Gary Neville, a former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo, prefers to support the Manchester City midfielder. He even lashed out at the Brazilian international and Real Madrid.
The major controversy surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or awarded to Rodri continues. In England, for example, the debate over the choice of winner is still raging. Manchester United legend and former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo, Garry Neville, has surprisingly taken a stand.
The former England international has come to Rodri’s defence, claiming that the Spanish international did indeed deserve the award, contrary to Real Madrid’s opinion. His season at Manchester City, in which he was one of the main architects of the Premier League victory, not to mention his decisive role in the Euro with Roya, justifies this supreme recognition in his eyes.
For Garry Neville, Rodri has shown exemplary consistency and unwavering commitment week after week. Since his serious injury, Manchester City have struggled since the start of the season, despite leading the Premier League. This week, Pep Guardiola’s men were surprisingly knocked out of the English Cup by Tottenham.
Garry Neville’s virulent attack on Vinicius Jr
Garry Neville’s support for Rodri was accompanied by an unexpected but scathing dig at Vinicius Jr. Real Madrid’s Auriverde international is judged by Cristiano Ronaldo’s former team-mate to be a player who lacks class. The former Manchester United captain is delighted with the outcome of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, in which the judges preferred Rodri to Vinicius.
“Vinicius Jr lacks class, and I’m delighted that Rodri has won the Ballon d’Or. It was for a player who has made a consistent contribution week in, week out,” said Neville when asked about the subject in statements relayed by Madrid media outlet AS.
Garry Neville did not stop at Vinicius Jr. The legend also attacked Real Madrid for their boycott. In his opinion, the Casa Blanca club’s decision to boycott the award was totally absurd and clearly showed a lack of respect for Rodri, the winner.
“I think that doing what Real Madrid did, disrespecting Rodri in the way they did, is absolutely scandalous! The idea of trying to take the glory and the spotlight away from a player who is respected the world over and who is a good person… I think it’s a lack of class! I think it’s a lack of class,” he added.
At Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr has turned the page, but promises to do more to come back stronger. But the Auriverde international has to deal with the pressure of Kylian Mbappé’s presence at Real Madrid. The French international has never hidden his desire to one day win the Ballon d’Or, and he has come to Real Madrid to lift the trophy so coveted by footballers.
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