Champions League hero Rodri: Manchester City can build European ‘legacy’

Having scored the goal that delivered Manchester City an elusive first Champions League, Rodri challenged his team-mates to win more to emulate Europe’s greatest teams.

The Spaniard’s sweetly struck effort proved the difference against Inter Milan in Istanbul.

But Rodri, 26, wants City to now dominate European football and create a dynasty like 14-time winners Real Madrid or seven-time European champions AC Milan.

“Yes,” he said. “For me, and I said this before the game, it was so important to win against Inter because we can build a legacy for the future. 

“We can trust in ourselves that we did it and this is what teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, AC Milan — these kind of clubs — did in the past. 

“So yes we believe we can do it again. I think that’s why it’s so important.”

Rodri also praised chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak and past City heroes for helping to pave the way to fulfil this dream, which was only deemed possible after Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, deputy prime minister of the UAE, bought the club in 2008.

They have faced setbacks, scrutiny, unlucky moments and obstacles, with Financial Fair Play investigations and charges from UEFA and the Premier League, which they have denied.

“I think this talks a little bit about life — you have to try and push, even though some years it’s not been fair for us,” Rodri said.

“Sport is like this. You have to keep going and keep going and in the end God gave this amazing present for all of us. 

“The good point is we won, but we created a culture and we won more. Guys like Erling (Haaland), 22-year-olds, and the lads coming now, we have a very good squad for the next years.

“I said when I finished the game I don’t want to forget players like