Rodri has undoubtedly been one of the best signings ever made by Manchester City when it comes to measuring the impact they have had on the team. While Manchester City have splashed a massive amount of cash to reach where they stand right now, signings like Rodri have proved to be the difference, as the Spanish midfielder has scored multiple clutch goals for City.
Manchester City have added the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to their recently filled cabinet after beating Fluminense, adding to the plethora of success they have had. However, the victory did not come without heartbeat-skipping moments, as Rodri suffered a vicious tackle from Aleksander, which even made him shed tears.
Manchester City win Club World Cup
Manchester City have bagged another trophy, putting the icing on the perfect 2023 cap, as they become the first English club in history to simultaneously hold the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD! 🌍🏆 pic.twitter.com/QShqsMf35X
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 22, 2023
In a very one-sided affair, Man City beat Brazilian side and Copa Libertadores holders Fluminense 4-0 in the final held at Jeddah, thanks to a goal from Phil Foden, an own goal scored by Nino, and a brace from Julian Alvarez, who is now a double world champion with club and country.
On winning the CWC, Guardiola said, “To win this trophy is to be the best team in the world and our players, our coaches, our backroom staff, all of them work hard every single day to bring us this success.”
After a poor run of form in England, the Club World Cup triumph comes as a welcome victory for the Citizens, as they look to inject their abroad streak into their domestic football.
Rodri talks on aggressive tackle by Aleksander
Although Manchester City were all escalated with ecstasy, a very vicious tackle on Rodri, by Fluminense’s Aleksander put everyone’s heart at a stop for a few moments. During the 68th minute of the game, Aleksander slid in through Rodri, taking out the Spanish midfielder with the follow-through.
After the game, while talking to the press, Rodri revealed that he was almost in tears after the tackle, as he thought he was seriously injured.
🔵🇪🇸 Rodri: “I almost cried after the tackle but I’m fine. I will be fine to play vs Everton, no issues”, told @SkyKaveh. pic.twitter.com/IECKMj7PXm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2023
However, later on he denied any serious scares, and said, “I was very lucky today. It was one of the worst tackles in my career.” He further added, “Today, I won more than a trophy. I go home safe but I was very close to crying. I felt very worried but it is nothing”.
Rodri says he will be fit to play for Man City against Everton on Wednesday. Left the stadium tonight with light strapping on his right knee but was walking normally. Says tackle was one of the worst he’s experienced in his career. Says he almost cried but he’s absolutely fine.
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) December 22, 2023
Rodri has arguably been one of the best players in this superstar treble winning Man City side, and has contributed in all aspects. Not only has he been the best defensive midfielder in the country, but he has also scored some crucial goals in his way, one of them being the most important goal in City’s history during the UCL final against Inter.
Do you think Rodri is the best defensive midfielder in the world right now? Who do you think is, if not Rodri? Let us know in the comments.
