Arsenal manager, identifies the single most significant factor that assisted Rodri in winning the Ballon d’Or for Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta attributes the Rodri Ballon d’Or to the absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Michael Owen and Cristiano Ronaldo were the sole players to receive the award while playing in England, in 2001 and 2008, respectively. Rodri has entered the esteemed company of Ronaldo, as he has matched his 16-year standing accomplishment. During an interview with TNT Sports, Mikel Arteta was initially effusive in his admiration for Rodri following his Ballon d’Or victory. The Arsenal manager expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating, “It was an incredible experience; I am extremely proud of it.”

For many years we have [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi, [Iker] Casillas, a lot of players that probably should have won it in the past and this year, it was Rodri. I want the Arsenal ones [to win the Ballon d’Or] now.”

“The consistency and the level that he’s played in the last five, six years has been extraordinary.”

Mikel Arteta went on to claim that due to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no player playing in Europe, two players who dominated the Ballon d’Or, the door opened for Rodri to clinch the award.

“When you talk about the Ballon d’Or in the last 19 years, you have to talk about [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo and after that, no one is ever going to be at that level.”

After Rodri won the Ballon d’Or, Pep Guardiola congratulated him, his family, and colleagues. Guardiola stated, “What can I say?” First and foremost, I would like to extend my congratulations to him and his family and associates. This is truly remarkable news for him, as well as for all of us, Manchester City, and our supporters. “We are exceedingly proud of him.” I believe this is the inaugural occasion that a Manchester City player has been awarded the Ballon d’Or. Years ago, we could not have fathomed that a single player would be receiving this esteemed award. We are ecstatic to be a part of this and to share it with him. “We hope that it will provide him with the necessary energy to recover fully and join us next season.” Rodri is an official Ballon d’Or recipient, and Mikel Arteta’s observation is unlikely to affect him. As the former City assistant manager stated, his “consistency” since joining the club has been “extraordinary.”