The Etihad Stadium was the setting for a moment that had become an open secret. Although Manchester City decided to refrain from commenting on the matter, the banner displayed by the stadium's fans generated a great deal of attention.

The Etihad's Message to Vinícius

Despite the controversy, UEFA approved the message just minutes before the match, clarifying that there was no double meaning in the message: "Stop Crying Your Heart Out." This message was accompanied by an image of Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or.

"Stop Crying Your Heart Out" is one of the most iconic songs by the famous band Oasis, strongly associated with Manchester City. While it could be interpreted as a response to the attitude of Real Madrid and their player Vinícius Júnior following the Ballon d'Or gala, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of overcoming difficult times.

The Origin of the Etihad Banner to Vinícius

The song's lyrics were inspired by a personal situation of Noel Gallagher, the lead composer of Oasis, who wrote the song thinking about a friend going through family difficulties.

The banner was initiated by a group of Manchester City fans called Weare1894, who caught Rodri by surprise. The Spanish midfielder, unable to play due to injury, was sitting in the stands of Etihad Stadium watching his teammates, and he didn’t hesitate to record the emotional moment on his mobile phone.