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Ballon d’Or: ‘I wouldn’t have acted the same way’ – Rodri to Vinicius after snub

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Manchester City midfielder, Rodri has sent a clear message to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian’s decision to turn down his ticket to last month’s Ballon d’Or’s ceremony in Paris, France.

Rodri claimed that he ‘would not have acted the same way’ Vinicius did.

Vinicius had been considered the strong favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or after playing a key role in Real Madrid winning the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup last season.


But a leak in the build-up to the Ballon d’Or ceremony indicated that Rodri would scoop the award after a brilliant year with both Manchester City and Spain.

Recall that the 28-year-old midfielder won both the Premier League and Euro 2024.

As a result, Vinicius and Real Madrid’s delegation cancelled their trip to Paris in protest of their winger failing to win the award ahead of Rodri.

Speaking to France Football, Rodri said: “When your value is recognised at a very high level, final winner or not, it’s good to come.

“Besides, there is also the collective aspect that’s important. For example, Erling [Haaland] was in a better position than me to win last year. I wanted to come to support him in a special moment.

“So when I made the decision to come it was above all to enjoy this superb evening.”

When specifically asked about Vinicius’ decision to snub the event, Rodri said: “What do you want me to tell you?

“That I would have preferred everyone to be there? Of course, I would have.

“The second, third, fourth, etcetera were all missing… I have to respect everyone’s decision. Even if I would not have acted the same way.”

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Onyeka signing permanently with Prem new-boys Coventry

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Coventry City have made a first signing for their Premier League campaign next season.

Coventry saw their promotion confirmed with Friday’s draw at Blackburn Rovers.

And with that achievement, a permanant option in Brentford loanee Frank Onyeka’s loan deal was triggered.

The Nigeria international joined Coventry in January on-loan to the end of the season with a permanent option included should the Sky Blues be promoted.

Onyeka has made 12 appearances for Coventry – starting on 11 occasions – with his one goal coming in the 3-2 win over Derby earlier this month.

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AFCON: Morocco Frees Senegal Fans After Completing Prison Sentence

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Morocco on Saturday released three Senegalese fans from jail after they completed a three-month prison sentence for participating in the violence that broke out during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, an AFP journalist saw.

The trio left Al Arjat 2 prison, northeast of Rabat, in a police vehicle to go to a police station before being released.

Upon leaving the police station, the three smiling Senegalese fans were greeted by members of the Senegalese embassy.

One said to AFP, “dima Maroc, dima Maghrib” (“long live Morocco”).

Senegalese defence lawyer Patrick Kabou thanked “diplomatic and consular representation for their efforts” in a post on X.

On the eve of the trio’s release, he asked that the public “support them and, above all, help them come to terms with the initial shock of leaving prison”.

In connection with the same case, 15 other Senegalese fans remain incarcerated after receiving sentences ranging from six months to one year, and which were upheld on appeal on Monday.

Detained since the January 18 final, won by Senegal but later awarded on appeal to hosts Morocco, they were charged with “hooliganism,” an offence including acts of violence, notably against law enforcement, as well as damage to sports facilities, invading the pitch and throwing projectiles.

A Frenchman of Algerian origin was also released on Saturday after serving three months in prison for throwing a water bottle during the final.

AFP

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Man Utd boss Carrick: We must get Casemiro into opposition box

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Manchester United boss Michael Carrick admits it’s important keeping Casemiro close to the opposition area.

Ahead of today’s trip to Chelsea, Carrick admits he’s appreciated the Brazilian’s influence since taking charge in January.

“He’s certainly got the knack and the feeling, and that sense in and around the box,” he told MUTV.

“He’s got that sixth sense, in some ways that you can’t necessarily coach or you can’t necessarily always give the perfect moment or the action or the run to fit the cross.

“You’ve got to put yourself in positions and sense the space and then, obviously, on top of that, to finish it and show the composure.

“I think he’s certainly done that this season.”

Carrick added: “He’s always scored important goals. He’s always found himself there at certain times.

“He’s scored good goals for us, important goals and not just this season.”

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