Rodrigo Hernández reviewed the current situation on Cadena Cope’s program El partezo. The Manchester City midfielder, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, spoke about Barca, Real Madrid and his recovery from the injury that is currently keeping him off the pitch.
Rodri did not avoid talking about the great start of the season for Flick’s Barça: “Barca’s level surprised us all. I am very happy because they have many players from the national team. Now we all like to watch Barça play, it is a team that has made a big change“.
Iniesta and Busquets
Busquets went on the radio to congratulate him and joked by admitting that Rodri did not respond to his congratulations: ”Busquets has always been an idol and a reference for me, but my relationship with him is not an idol, because we are very good friends“.
Laminate
The present and the future of Barça Rodri spoke about Lamine: “He is a different player. I have known Lamine since he was 16 years old and Morata and I sponsored him. I always tell him to be focused, since at his age it is very easy to lose talent and get lost.“.
Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal in the duel between Barça and Real Sociedad / Javi Ferrándiz
And in this sense he admitted “When I was 17 years old I thought about leaving football because I had a bad time in the youth teams of both Atlético and Villarreal and I thought I wasn’t going forward but a call to my father changed everything .“. And in this aspect he shows: “It is important when you are young to experience bad times as well otherwise when you reach the elite you are not prepared.”
Ballon d’Or
Regarding the games that Manchester City currently follow, he admitted the following: “I suffer when I see my team play and I can’t be on the pitch, I’m challenged to be able to play before the end of the season“. In this regard, he assured that he is not thinking about his immediate future now and that “he is focused on my recovery.”
Rodrigo Hernández in the match against Estrella Roja / AFP
The importance of the Ballon d’Or is evidence that Rodri did not deny: “Before and after, I imagine, for my whole family it is a great joy to win the Ballon d’Or.“. When asked about Real Madrid’s decision not to be present at the gala, Rodri did not want to seek controversy: “I don’t care about the people who weren’t there, it was my own moment, I felt a lot of respect from the community. I didn’t act like that but they know their reasons.“.
When asked about the best player in the world, the Madrid native revealed that “Haaland is the most decisive player in the world“.
Time.news Interview with Rodrigo Hernández: Inside the Mind of a Football Star
Editor: Welcome, Rodrigo! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Congratulations again on your recent Ballon d’Or victory. How has the recognition changed your perspective on your career?
Rodri: Thank you! It’s an incredible honor, of course. Winning the Ballon d’Or has given me a sense of validation for all the hard work I’ve put into my career. It’s inspiring to know that my efforts on the pitch are being recognized, but it also motivates me to keep improving and contributing to my team.
Editor: Speaking of inspiration, you mentioned how impressive Barcelona has been this season. What do you think has catalyzed their resurgence?
Rodri: Absolutely, Barça’s level has surprised us all! I think their recent performances are a result of strong management from Flick and a solid blend of new talent and experienced players. They’ve made significant changes, and I’m genuinely happy for them since they have a lot of my national team teammates. It’s exciting to see such good football being played!
Editor: You also have a good friendship with Sergio Busquets, despite your humorous exchange about his congratulations. How important is that camaraderie among players?
Rodri: Busquets has always been a role model for me, but our relationship goes beyond that. The camaraderie we share is essential in football. It creates a supportive environment where we can push each other to be better. Plus, it adds a fun element to the competitive atmosphere!
Editor: Let’s talk about the young talent, Lamine Yamal. You’ve known him since he was 16. What advice do you have for young players trying to navigate their way in professional football?
Rodri: Lamine is a fantastic player, and I always tell him to stay focused. At a young age, it’s easy to get lost in the distractions that come with fame and talent. From my own experience, I know how crucial it is to go through tough times. I had my struggles at Atlético and Villarreal, and those experiences shaped who I am today. Embracing adversity at a young age prepares you for the challenges of the elite.
Editor: That’s a great perspective. You touched upon facing difficulties as a young player. How pivotal was that moment when you considered stepping away from football?
Rodri: It was a challenging time. I thought about quitting after a tough period in the youth teams. But my father’s call gave me the motivation to persevere. I learned that setbacks are part of the journey, and it’s essential to stay committed to your dreams.
Editor: Looking forward, what are your personal and professional aspirations after winning the Ballon d’Or?
Rodri: I aim to continue growing as a player and help my team achieve great things. Personally, I want to use this platform to inspire young players, just like I was inspired. It’s about more than just individual accolades; it’s about contributing to the game we love and the upcoming generation of talent.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Rodri! It’s clear you have a deep passion for the game, both on and off the pitch. We look forward to seeing your continued success!
Rodri: Thank you! I appreciate your time and the opportunity to share my thoughts. Let’s keep enjoying this beautiful game together!