Connect with us

European Leagues

Rodri: Why Real Madrid Can’t Have My Respect

Guardiola Hints At Shock Premier League Return For Rodri

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has said that he “cannot respect the decision” of Real Madrid to completely boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The Spaniard, who received the prestigious award, had been tipped as one of the favourites for the top prize, but Real forward Vinicius Junior had also been in contention, with many Madrid representatives expecting the Brazilian’s coronation to be a formality.

Instead, the Spanish giants decided not to show at the ceremony in Paris, with many believing that Vinicius not winning the showpiece award was the reason behind it.
Ancelotti insists Mbappe ‘will soon be fine’ despite ‘difficult moment’Ancelotti insists Mbappe ‘will soon be fine’ despite ‘difficult moment’

Rodri, who played a crucial role in Manchester City’s fourth Premier League title in a row and Spain’s Euro 2024 glory, has been ruled out for what seems to be the remainder of the season after he suffered an anterior-cruciate ligament injury in City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal earlier this term.

“I cannot respect the decision,” Rodri said of Madrid’s no-show on The Rest is Football podcast.

“In sport and in life, it’s important to win. But I think even more how to lose, and I say always the same – it was my moment, I didn’t want to speak about others.

“They didn’t want to be there – I want to be with my club, with my family, the people that were there and clapped me, and that was a fantastic moment.

“I have lived the best and worst part of my career with the Ballon d’Or and then injury, but it gives me oxygen to come back again in a good way,” he said.

“I can’t describe the emotion [of winning it]. In my generation, [we] only see two guys winning the trophy [Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo].”

Rodri, who scored the winner in City’s maiden UEFA Champions League triumph against Inter Milan in 2023, has said that he is aiming to beat the clock and return to action before the end of the current campaign.

“My target is to come back this season,” he added.

“I don’t give up on this season, [but] I don’t want to make any mistakes. My target is six or seven months.

“I am doing much better than I thought. I am enjoying the rest, if it is possible to say it that way.

“My feeling was, not like a crack, the knee was stable. I was confident it wasn’t too bad. But I have a positive mentality now and that’s it.

“The first month and a half was bad in terms of pain. I couldn’t walk, but now it is easier.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Premier League

Ivan Toney Expected to Leave Brentford This Summer — Arsenal and Chelsea in the Race

Ivan Toney’s time at Brentford appears to be nearing its end, with multiple sources confirming the striker is expected to leave the West London club during the upcoming summer transfer window. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as they seek to bolster their attacking options for the 2025–26 season.

A Proven Premier League Goalscorer

Toney, 29, has been a consistent performer since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League. Known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and penalty precision, he has attracted interest from top-tier clubs thanks to his ability to lead the line and deliver goals under pressure.

Despite serving a suspension earlier in his career for betting violations, Toney has returned with form and focus. With one year left on his contract, this summer represents Brentford’s last opportunity to secure a significant transfer fee.

Arsenal and Chelsea in the Mix

Arsenal:

Mikel Arteta is reportedly a long-time admirer of Toney’s profile. With questions lingering over Gabriel Jesus’s injury record and Kai Havertz’s natural role, Toney could offer Arsenal a more traditional No. 9 — something they’ve lacked in recent title runs.

Chelsea:

Chelsea’s ongoing search for a clinical striker has been well-documented. Nicolas Jackson has shown flashes, but inconsistency in front of goal has cost the Blues points. Toney would offer Premier League experience, leadership, and reliability, potentially becoming a focal point in Mauricio Pochettino’s evolving system — if Pochettino remains in charge.

Brentford’s Perspective

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been transparent in recent interviews, stating the club won’t stand in Toney’s way should the right offer come in. The Bees are reportedly valuing Toney at around £50–60 million, though that fee could drop depending on the bidding dynamics and contract situation.

What It Means for the Market

Toney’s move could spark a domino effect in the striker market. Clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, and even West Ham may pivot their striker strategies depending on his destination.

A bidding war could push up the fee, and personal terms — including a likely wage increase and ambitions for European football — will play a key role in the decision.

Conclusion

Ivan Toney’s expected departure from Brentford signals one of the Premier League’s most intriguing transfer battles of the summer. With both Arsenal and Chelsea looking to sharpen their front lines, the race for Toney’s signature is heating up — and it may just come down to ambition, Champions League football, and timing.

Stay with Sports Market International for the latest on this developing story

Continue Reading

Premier League

Dream Move Off: Manchester United Not Pursuing Victor Osimhen, Says David Ornstein

Victor-Osimhen || Sports market international

The Long-Standing Speculation Linking Victor Osimhen With A High-Profile Move To Manchester United Has Come To An End—At Least For Now.
Trusted Journalist David Ornstein Has Firmly Dismissed The Rumours, Stating That The Super Eagles Striker Is Not Part Of The Red Devils’ Summer Transfer Plans.

Despite Earlier Reports Suggesting That United Had Reached An “Agreement In Principle” And Were Preparing To Activate Osimhen’s €75 Million (£64.2M) Release Clause, The Club Appears To Have Shifted Its Focus Elsewhere.
Instead, They Are Expected To Rely On Internal Options Like Young Danish Striker Rasmus Højlund Or Explore Alternative Targets.

No Old Trafford Dream For Osimhen

Osimhen, Currently On Loan At Galatasaray From Napoli, Has Had A Sensational Season, Netting 30 Goals In 34 Appearances.
His Prolific Form Ignited Excitement Among Fans And Pundits, With Many Touting Him As The Ideal Solution To Manchester United’s Attacking Struggles.

However, Ornstein’s Recent Comments—Shared In A Video On Social Media—Have Poured Cold Water On Those Hopes.

David Ornstein -Sports Market International

“He Is Not On Manchester United’s Agenda,” Ornstein Clarified.
“If They Are To Look At Other Options, It Certainly Won’t Be Osimhen.”

United Shifting Gears Amid Uncertainty

The Red Devils’ Cautious Stance May Be Influenced By Their Uncertain Prospects For European Competition Next Season.
With Financial Considerations In Mind, The Club Seems Reluctant To Commit To Major Deals Or High-Wage Signings.

Højlund, Who Has Managed Just Three Goals In The Premier League And Eight Across All Competitions This Season, Still Remains Central To United’s Long-Term Plans.
There’s Also Talk Of Internal Promotions Rather Than Marquee Signings.

A Summer Of Change For Nigerian Stars

While A Move To Old Trafford Is Off The Table, Osimhen’s Future Remains One Of The Most Watched Stories This Transfer Window.
He Leads The List Of Super Eagles Players Expected To Secure Major Transfers This Summer.

Fellow Nigerian Wilfred Ndidi Is Also Reportedly Set To Leave Leicester City And Join Osimhen In Turkey.

For Now, Manchester United Will Look Elsewhere As They Aim To Reshape Their Frontline Ahead Of The 2025/26 Season.
And While Osimhen May Not Be Old Trafford-Bound, His Stock Continues To Rise Across Europe

 

Continue Reading

LaLiga

Mbappé Set To Return For Real Madrid After Serving La Liga Suspension

Real-Madrid-to-unveil-Kylian-Mbapppe-just-after-UEFA-Champions-league- Sports Market International

Real Madrid Forward Kylian Mbappé Is Set To Make His Return To The Pitch After Serving A One-Match Suspension In La Liga. The French Star Was Sidelined During Los Blancos’ Last League Outing Due To An Automatic Ban Following The Accumulation Of Yellow Cards.


The Suspension Came As A Frustration For Both The Club And Its Supporters, Given Mbappé’s Electric Form In Recent Weeks. However, The 26-Year-Old Has Now Completed His Ban And Is Set To Re-Join Full Training With The Squad At Valdebebas Ahead Of Real Madrid’s Upcoming Fixture Against Jetafe.


Speaking Ahead Of The Match, Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti Expressed Confidence In Mbappé’s Readiness:

Kylian Has Trained Well And Is Mentally Sharp. He’s Eager To Be Back And Contribute. His Presence Gives Us An Extra Edge Going Into This Important Match.

Real Madrid Are Currently 2nd In The La Liga Standings And Remain Firmly In The Hunt For The Title. With Crucial Matches Ahead, Mbappé’s Return Is Expected To Be A Major Boost As The Season Heads Into Its Final Stretch.
Fans Will Be Watching Closely As Mbappé Aims To Continue His Standout Debut Season In Spain, Where He’s Already Netted 35 Goals This Season Across All Competition.

Continue Reading

Trending