Soccer-Man City boss Guardiola shrugs off Real's Ballon d'Or ceremony boycott

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - Manchester City v Real Madrid - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - April 17, 2024 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shakes hands with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff/File Photo

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri was a worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or, said his proud club manager Pep Guardiola, who was reluctant to criticise Real Madrid's snub of Monday night's awards ceremony saying the decision was up to them.

"All Manchester City, our fans, we are so proud of him," Guardiola said, on the eve of Wednesday's League Cup fourth-round tie at Tottenham Hotspur.