Midfielder Rodri, who scored the winning goal for Man City in the 1-0 victory against Inter in the Champions League final, praised the team's fighting spirit.
"That's how finals are," Rodri told BT Sport after the match at Ataturk Stadium on June 10th. "You can't expect to play as usual. The whole team was tense and nervous. We fought like beasts. This result is like a dream come true. The people of Man City had to wait 20, 30, 40 years for this moment."
Man City faced difficulties 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 didn't create many dangerous chances as the Italian opponents defended tightly, but they still became champions thanks to Rodri's shining moment in the 68th minute. Bernardo Silva's pass deflected off an Inter defender, and Rodri was there to receive the rebound, slotting the ball into the near corner to beat goalkeeper Andre Onana.
"The match was not easy when the opponent played a tight defensive game," Rodri added. "In the first half, I played poorly. Then, I told myself I had to overcome the psychological pressure. Finally, I scored. It's unbelievable." For Rodri, the emotional moment of winning the Champions League for the first time with the whole team will never be repeated. But he still wants to win the tournament with Man City many more times.
The goal scored by Rodri also helped his coach, Pep Guardiola, overcome the haunting failure in the Champions League with Man City. Two years ago, the 52-year-old manager was criticized for "overthinking" when he didn't use Rodri or any other defensive midfielder in the 0-1 defeat to Chelsea in the 2021 final. "I didn't play against Chelsea two years ago, so this time I asked Pep to let me go on the pitch," Rodri joked with the BT Sport reporter.
Rodri's teammates couldn't hide their emotions after the victory. "I've worked my whole life for this title," shared Jack Grealish. "The opponent played well today, and I played poorly. But I don't care anymore. Winning the treble with this team is something special."
Man City became the second English club in history to win three major titles in a season, including the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League, following their neighbors Man Utd in 1999. "We've made history," captain Ilkay Gundogan choked up. "The final was a 50-50 game, and we feel lucky to have won. People talked a lot about the treble before the match. The pressure was immense, but this team was built to handle pressure in the best possible way."
John Stones, who played alongside Rodri in the defensive midfield position, was one of Man City's best performers in the final. "I have to hold back many words because I'm in front of the camera," Stones said. "We are now the second team to achieve the treble. I couldn't be prouder to be part of a team that made history. Today, I played like a number 8, a position I love. I'm still learning, and I don't think I'm the best, but today I gave everything. It was rewarded."
