Ruben Dias ‘didn’t spend one second’ thinking about Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or boycott | OneFootball

Manchester City captain Ruben Dias says he “didn’t spend one second thinking” about Real Madrid boycotting the Ballon d’Or ceremony after Rodri’s victory.

Madrid star Vinicius Jr was the favourite to win the prestigious award but after discovering that City’s Rodri was set to win the award, the Spanish giants decided not to attend the awards ceremony in protest.

When asked whether he thought Madrid’s actions were disrespectful, Dias says it did not come across his mind at all: “Being very honest I didn’t spend one second thinking about if it was disrespectful to Rodri or not,” Dias said.

“I was happy for him. I was there, I celebrated with him that night and I was very happy for him as I’m sure everyone at the club was.

“I didn’t really spend my time thinking about it.”

City welcome the current Champions League holders to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday after a poor league phase campaign, which saw them scrape through to the knockout stages following victory against Club Brugge on the final day.

They endured a terrible run of form this season, losing nine out of 13 games and Dias admits it has been tough.

“Since I’ve been here, this has been the most difficult season so far,” he said.

“But I’m a firm believer that even in the most difficult scenario, most difficult beginning, you can still do something and achieve something beautiful in the end.

“Right now, we are still in that position. Obviously we know how difficult our opposition is and how difficult our way will be to get there.

“But it’s a question of believing in what we have in the dressing room and we have loads of talent. We just have to use them in the right way.

“With the right belief, we are able to do anything.”