The Etihad Stadium was buzzing with anticipation before the match, as an open secret had been circulating among fans. Despite the English club’s attempt to turn a blind eye, the initiative came from the passionate supporters in the South Stand, and not even UEFA could put a stop to it. Just hours before kick-off, UEFA gave their approval, failing to see any hidden meaning behind the banner that was unveiled when the players took the field. The message was clear: “Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” accompanied by a photo of Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or.
The choice of song lyrics was no coincidence. “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” is one of Oasis’ most famous songs, closely associated with Manchester City. However, in this context, it seemed to be a direct reference to Real Madrid’s decision, and specifically Vinicius, regarding the Ballon d’Or gala. They chose not to attend after learning that the winner would not be the Brazilian, but rather the injured Spanish midfielder. The lyrics convey the message that in tough times, one must carry on with life. Noel Gallagher, the songwriter and lead guitarist of Oasis, once explained that he wrote the song with a friend in mind who was going through a difficult period with his children.
The banner initiative was organized by a group of ‘Sky Blue’ fans known as ‘Weare1894′. It caught Rodri off guard as he sat in the stands at the Etihad, watching his teammates. Without hesitation, he took out his phone to capture the moment created by his devoted fans, who were celebrating his Ballon d’Or win for being the best player of the previous season. The giant banner remained on display for over five minutes before the start of the Champions League playoff match, continuing until the anthem of Europe’s top club competition played and the players were already on the pitch.
In the pre-match press conference, both Guardiola and Ruben Dias were questioned about the controversy surrounding the banner. However, they both chose not to get involved. Guardiola expressed his happiness for Rodri’s achievement, stating that there was no resentment and acknowledging Vinicius’ extraordinary year. Dias echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that he did not waste his time thinking about the supposed disrespect. Both made it clear that the controversy did not concern them.
In conclusion, the Etihad Stadium witnessed a powerful display of support from Manchester City fans, who used a banner and Oasis lyrics to celebrate Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win. The controversy surrounding the choice of song and its connection to Real Madrid and Vinicius did not faze Guardiola or Dias, who focused on their own team’s achievements. The fans’ initiative left a lasting impression and added to the electric atmosphere at the stadium.
