VIDEO: 'I've never won a Ballon d'Or!' - Pep Guardiola leaves Rodri to fend for himself with victory speech as midfielder is given heroes welcome on return to Man City

Rodri, who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury, won the prestigious Ballon d'Or last month in Paris as he trumped Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in the race. The Spaniard finally returned to Manchester City on Friday with the Golden Ball, having been recovering in Spain, and caught up with his colleagues and manager Guardiola. The midfielder had initially asked the head coach about what to say in front of his team-mates, to which Guardiola jokingly said: "I've never won a Ballon d'Or, my friend!"

In his speech, the 28-year-old said: "I don't know what to say, guys. It's a privilege. I miss you, I miss you a lot. It's a privilege to win this. So happy to come back. For me, you guys are my family and this is for the club, for you guys. Congratulations."

Rodri, who still has two years left in his current deal, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the future. The player recently addressed the rumours while hinting he could consider joining Los Blancos who he considers the "best and most successful club in history".

The reigning English champions, who have lost their last four matches across all competitions, will aim to get back to winning ways on Saturday as they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.