"Same journalists probably voted for him to win it at some point" - Rodri hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo for claiming Vinicius deserved Ballon d'Or

Manchester City star Rodir has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo for his comments on the Ballon d'Or. He believes that the Portuguese should not question those who voted for the award, as they picked him five times for the prestigious award.

Speaking to AS in an exclusive interview, Rodri admitted that he was surprised by Ronaldo's comments on the Ballon d'Or award. He claims the Al Nassr star knows the process but still chooses to question it. He said:

"Well, it's a surprise, honestly, because he (Cristiano Ronaldo) knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen. This year, the journalists who voted decided I should win it. These same journalists probably voted for him to win it at some point, and I imagine he agreed with them then."

When quizzed if the Ballon d'Or award changed the Manchester City star's life, the Spaniard added:

"Yes, it has changed my life. I've talked about that with people close to me. Maybe I wasn't aware of it when I won, but it has changed my life. The magnitude of going out in public isn't the same now. Many things I used to do, I obviously can't anymore. But it's for a good reason, it's because of the recognition I've had and that's been so important for me and my family. It was an unforgettable moment."

Rodri has not been in action since getting injured in the game against Arsenal earlier this season. He suffered an ACL injury and is expected back in the final weeks of the season.

What did Cristiano Ronaldo say about Rodri winning the Ballon d'Or?

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke at the Globe Soccer Awards last month and claimed that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr deserved to win the Ballon d'Or. He stated that Manchester City star Rodri also deserved the award, but believed that the Brazilian was more deserving as he had won the UEFA Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo said:

"I really love the way they do their career, [Jude] Bellingham, Lamine [Yamal]. Now, this young generation, Vinicius, they do a fantastic job. In my opinion, he [Vinicius] deserved to win the Ballon d'Or. It was unfair, I say it here in front of everybody. They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but I think they should have given it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League."

Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr boycotted the Ballon d'Or gala last year after finding out that the Brazilian was not winning the award.