Rodri admitted the Ballon d'Or trophy offered no consolation to him after he had missed so much of last season through injury.
The Manchester City and Spain midfielder was given the award just over a month after rupturing his cruciate ligament against Arsenal in September, which ruled him out of the rest of the campaign.
City struggled as a result, finishing third in the Premier League, their lowest finish since the 2016-17 campaign.
Reflecting on his lay-off, the 29-year-old detailed how much of a blow the injury was to him, despite picking up one of the most coveted individual prizes in the sport.
"The injury is much more significant than the Ballon d'Or," said Rodri in his press conference before Spain's match against Turkey.
"I'm happy for the recognition, but it's of no use to me. I still want to be the same player.
"Above all, when you go through this process on a mental level, I want to return to my level, I want to enjoy football again. That's my only goal.
"So far I've played two [matches this season] with my club, one in its entirety. I'm going as fast as I can, getting back into shape."
Rodri came off the bench in Spain's 3-0 victory over Bulgaria, replacing Martin Zubimendi who has only recently joined Arsenal in the summer.
The Spaniard believes Zubimendi could be a vital part of Spain's future, despite operating in a similar position to him.
"He's a great player. He has the discipline and mentality that can lead him to become one of the best, if he isn't already," he said.
"I spoke to him the other day and told him it was his time, that I was leaving him the keys to the team.
"He's been at an incredible level and I'm happy to see the team at the same level."
Spain will be looking to make it two wins from two in World Cup qualifying when they travel to face Turkey.
vuaabdipu
0
Rodri the best CDM of the game
kahacdouyz
0
Honest to be told that Ballon D'or was a robbery. It led to City struggles and a long injury which was good
CitizenOfFootball_FC
0
If the other dude is nowhere to be found. Then talk about this guy himself his he somewhere to be found ever since then?
he was injured .. bro literally. ? didn't u read about his injury or what ?
SandarshMahajan
5
Any day Rodri deserve the ballon d'or over the cry baby vini jr (Fake Person)
BobbySaGE
0
for those saying he didn't deserve it, the other dude is nowhere to be found ever since
If the other dude is nowhere to be found. Then talk about this guy himself his he somewhere to be found ever since then?
wimbdetu
0
becoz he knows he didn't deserve it
Taaaikmtu
1
y
AFerlOGL3103
0
the moment you collect what doesn't belong to you,it's the beginning of your downfall
Confused individual
yusakopstz
1
try and know the difference between having injury and losing form
Rodri picked up the injury even before he was awarded the Balon d Or so what are you saying?
biebcdmrs
0
you just didn't deserve the ballon d'or because truthfully you didn't win it . consider it a gift in the mailbox being delivered to the wrong house. You definitely was the backbone of Man City but European football represents all European football leagues not just EPL
Who was the player of the tounerment at EURO ,dont say its because city did uefa,it is the same messi snubed it to haaland cause of world cup,and even lewandowski supposed to win it back in the days but messi took it,never undermine your country's perfomance....
Idintcareatall
0
Give it to Vini. I'm sure he will value it more 😊
You pity me huh🔫🔫
ollyfrosh
0
what about the guy who said he deserved it?.. it's almost like he was injured as well. Nowhere to be seen🤣
try and know the difference between having injury and losing form
SpeedRashyDon10
5
for those saying he didn't deserve it, the other dude is nowhere to be found ever since
SpeedRashyDon10
0
the moment you collect what doesn't belong to you,it's the beginning of your downfall
what about the guy who said he deserved it?.. it's almost like he was injured as well. Nowhere to be seen🤣
naobckmoy
1
wow wow what a bitter folks here. Rodri the rightful winner of the Ballon Dor
Free2Rhyme
0
foo, he's nowhere near ballon d'or level
you're calling me a fool? what is wrong with you people, always quick to insult people for saying their opinion. I pity you
Idintcareatall
0
haha! right! since he said it's of no use to him 😅
foo, he's nowhere near ballon d'or level
ollyfrosh
3
the moment you collect what doesn't belong to you,it's the beginning of your downfall
Free2Rhyme
0
Where is Vini now? he is nowhere near
haha! right! since he said it's of no use to him 😅
Vewabmstuz
3
that's just karma.. for the robbery
vaililojr
0
Give it to Vini. I'm sure he will value it more 😊
Where is Vini now? he is nowhere near
Free2Rhyme
0
Give it to Vini. I'm sure he will value it more 😊
Bipdeiln
2
you just didn't deserve the ballon d'or because truthfully you didn't win it . consider it a gift in the mailbox being delivered to the wrong house. You definitely was the backbone of Man City but European football represents all European football leagues not just EPL
Meadelmnrt
3
I still can't belive n understand how he won [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Naocdeintz
0
Kevin De Bruyn was the city's key player.
nuscdmopuy
5
Manchester City did not struggle because of the absence of Rodri, no, they are just a finished lot. Pep has exhausted all his tactics. Rodri can not do anything alone.