Manchester City have completed a historic treble of trophies by winning their first ever Champions League title, beating Inter Milan 1-0 in a tense and thrilling final in Istanbul.
Rodri was the hero for Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring the only goal of the game in the 68th minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box after a clever pass from Bernardo Silva.
The Spanish midfielder, who was named the player of the match, said he was “proud” of his team-mates and praised their “character and quality” throughout the season.
“It’s incredible. I’m so proud of this team. They have shown so much character and quality throughout the season. To win three major trophies is something very special,” he said.
City had to overcome a resilient and determined Inter side, who defended well and created some chances of their own, especially in the first half.
The Italian champions, who were looking for their fourth European crown and their first since 2010, had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 55th minute when Lautaro Martinez broke through on goal, but his shot was saved by Ederson.
The Brazilian goalkeeper was also alert to deny Romelu Lukaku in the dying minutes, after the Belgian striker had headed towards goal from close range.
Ederson said he was “happy” to help his team and dedicated the victory to his family and friends.
“I’m very happy. It’s a dream come true for me and for everyone who loves this club. I want to dedicate this to my family, my friends and all the fans who supported us,” he said.
City had suffered an early setback when their star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne had to be substituted in the 35th minute with an apparent hamstring injury.
The Belgian, who had been instrumental in City’s domestic success, was replaced by Phil Foden, who almost doubled City’s lead in the 77th minute with a curling shot that went just wide.
Foden said he was “delighted” to be part of the team and hailed Guardiola as “the best manager in the world”.
“I’m delighted. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m so happy to be part of this team and this club. Pep is the best manager in the world. He has given me so much confidence and trust. He has made me a better player,” he said.
Guardiola, who became the first coach since Sir Alex Ferguson to lead an English club to the treble, praised his players for their remarkable achievement and thanked the club’s owner Sheikh Mansour for his support.
“It’s incredible. I’m so proud of this team. They have shown so much character and quality throughout the season. To win three major trophies is something very special” he said.
“I want to thank Sheikh Mansour for his trust and his vision. He has made this possible. He has given us everything we need to succeed”.
City had already wrapped up their seventh Premier League title with three games to spare, finishing 12 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.
They also lifted the FA Cup for the seventh time in their history, beating Manchester United 2-1 at Wembley last week with goals from Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus.
City’s treble is only the second in English football history, after Manchester United achieved it in 1999.
City’s captain Ilkay Gundogan said he was “honoured” to be part of such a historic team and hoped they could continue their success in the future.
“It’s an honour to be part of this team and this club. We have made history today. We have worked so hard for this moment. We deserve it”, he said.
“We have set the bar high now. We have to keep going and try to win more trophies”.