Turkey Midfielder Rodri, who scored the only goal as Man City beat Inter 1-0 in the Champions League final, praised the team's fighting spirit.
"These finals are like that," Rodri told BT Sport after the match at the Ataturk Stadium on June 10. "You can't expect yourself to play like normal. The whole team was very nervous and excited. We fought like animals. This result is a dream come true. The Man City people have waited 20, 30, 40 years for this moment."
Rodri celebrates scoring the only goal in the final at Ataturk Stadium. Photo: AP
Man City struggled in the Champions League final against Inter, especially after Kevin De Bruyne left the field in the first half due to injury. The English side did not create many dangerous chances as their Italian opponents defended tightly, but still won the title thanks to Rodri's moment of brilliance in the 68th minute. Bernardo Silva's pass hit an Inter defender's foot and changed direction, Rodri was there at the right time to receive the rebound, curling a one-touch shot into the near corner to beat goalkeeper Andre Onana.
"The match was not easy, with the opponent playing a difficult counter-attacking game," Rodri added. "In the first half, I played badly. Then I told myself to overcome the psychological pressure. In the end, I scored. It was unbelievable." For Rodri, the emotional moment of winning the Champions League for the first time with the team will never be repeated. But he still wants to win the tournament many more times with Man City.
Rodri's goal also helped his coach, Pep Guardiola, end the obsession with failure in the Champions League with Man City. Two years ago, the 52-year-old strategist was accused of "overthinking" when he did not use Rodri or any other holding midfielder in the 0-1 final loss to Chelsea in 2021. "I did not play against Chelsea two years ago, so this time I asked Pep to put me on the field," Rodri joked to BT Sport reporter.
Rodri's teammates also couldn't hide their emotions after the victory. "I've fought for this title all my life," Jack Grealish shared. "The opponent played well today, I played badly. But I don't care anymore. Winning the treble with this group, that's special."
Grealish (left) celebrates victory with Rodri after the match against Inter ended. Photo: Reuters
Man City became the second English club in history to win the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League in a season, after neighbours Man Utd in 1999. "We made history," captain Ilkay Gundogan choked up. "The final was 50-50, we felt lucky to win. People talked a lot before the game about the treble. The pressure is huge, but this team is built to handle the pressure in the best way possible."
John Stones, who partnered Rodri in defensive midfield, was one of City's best performers in the final. "I had to hold back a lot of words because I was in front of the cameras," said Stones. "We are only the second team to win the treble. I couldn't be prouder to be part of a team that made history. Today I played like a No. 8, which is my favourite position. I'm still learning, I don't think I'm the best but I gave it my all today. It paid off."
Nhan Dat
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