Rodri risks UK anger as he chants 'Gibraltar is Spanish' during celebrations (original) (raw)

Rodri has celebrated with his Spanish team-mates after their victory at the Euros, with the Manchester City star chanting about Spain's rights to claim Gibraltar

Rodri took centre stage during the Spanish celebrations

Rodri celebrated Euros victory with his Spain team-mates and chanted about the country's ownership of Gibraltar - even though it currently belongs to the UK.

The Manchester City midfielder was named the best player at the Euros as he helped spearhead a fourth success for his country. They broke English hearts in the final and have since returned to Spain to celebrate in their homeland.

An open-top bus paraded the players through Madrid's Cibeles Square after they enjoyed a brief meeting with Spain's King Felipe VI and his family. The players were then given a microphone during the celebrations and each took time to address the crowds.

When Rodri took centre stage he chose to sing “It’s Spanish, Gibraltar is Spanish” - referencing the tiny island at the southern tip of Spain which is British territory. It acts as a small naval base but many in Spain believe Britain's control of it is controversial and it remains a sensitive political issue.

Rodri, who plays his football in England with reigning Premier League champions City, clearly made his thoughts known despite never previously offering up his opinion on matters outside of football.

The City man is being tipped to win the Ballon d'Or following his success at club and international level. Rodri's triumph at the Euros comes after he played a pivotal role in landing a record fourth Premier League title on the trot. He also lost just one game last term.

"For me Rodri is the best player in the world, please give him the Ballon d'Or now," said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente. Despite a host of Ballon d'Or winners coming from Real Madrid and Barcelona no Spaniard has ever claimed the award - but Rodri believes that must now change, even if it doesn't go to him.

The Man City midfielder is tipped to win the Ballon d'Or after the Spanish victory at Euro 2024

When quizzed on the award he said: "I'm going to be honest, I would like for a Spaniard to win it, I don't care who. It would be great. I've heard that [Real Madrid's Dani] Carvajal also deserves it. From an individual standpoint, I'm very proud of what I am doing and the recognition I'm getting. But someone else has to make that assessment. I came here to win Euro 2024."

Spain right-back Carvajal, who won the Champions League and LaLiga with Real Madrid, echoed Rodri as he said: "I hope a Spaniard gets it. I think Spanish football deserves it. I would love for that to happen. I think I could be among the candidates not just for the titles that I've won this year but for my performances. But it [winning the award] doesn't cross my mind."

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