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Manchester City star Rodri was seen celebrating his Ballon d’Or success at a restaurant on Monday night.
The Spanish midfielder — out for the season with a double knee injury — became the first Premier League player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
Rodri, 28, helped City to a fourth straight league title this year and was an integral member of Spain’s European Championship winning side. Rodri has lost only one club game in 18 months.
There was controversy on the night as Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr refused to attend the ceremony after being snubbed – but that didn’t dampen Rodri’s spirits.
Shortly after he won the award, a video appeared on social media that showed the 28-year-old wildly celebrating his achievement in a restaurant.
Manchester City star Rodri was seen celebrating his Ballon d’Or success at a restaurant
Rodri was sat beside Man City team-mate Ruben Dias as he celebrated the award on Monday
The video, posted on Man City’s X account, showed Rodri sat in a restaurant – alongside team-mate Ruben Dias – singing ‘Rodri’s on fire!’.
The City duo – accompanied by an entire table of people – belted out a loud rendition of the chant while chucking their napkins in the air.
Rodri and his friends continued their singing throughout the night and also carried on waving the napkins above their heads as they celebrated the Spaniard’s victory.
Soaking in the adulation on Monday night, the visibly emotional midfielder said: ‘Incredible night for me today. If you will let me, I would like to speak in my language of my country.
In Spanish, he added: ‘I always said that one of my key things is that I try to improve every day.
A hobbling Rodri was crowned the best player in world football at the ceremony in Paris
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr did not attend the event after learning he finished second in voting
‘I was a traditional midfielder but when I realised I needed to get better in terms of assists and goals. You have to be like a striker because we always play in the frontal area. That is the key to improving every day.
‘People don’t know me much, I am just a normal guy. I try to enjoy my profession, try to be a good person, a leader, and learn every day from the best.
‘I am a calm person until I get upset. I am a normal guy and try to say to my kids that you don’t need to be crazy and try to do your best.
‘I am feeling much better. A big big injury, it’s part of life and sport. I try to look at the best part of this and be positive.’
SpainReal MadridCristiano RonaldoRodri
