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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has revealed how he was so devastated by the Blues’ Champions League collapse last season that he couldn’t even speak to his mum.

Rodri, outstanding as City retained the Premier League trophy, is still bitter about the memory of Madrid’s stunning semi-final fightback in the Bernabeu as Pep Guardiola prepares his squad for another crack at the trophy that continues to elude them.

Real scored twice in the dying minutes to force extra-time - and then went through to meet and beat Liverpool in the final thanks to Karim Benzema’s penalty. And Madrid-born Rodri took it so badly that he could find no words for his family afterwards.

“It is still tough,” said Rodri. “I think it was one of the worst days of my life, because it was in Madrid, in my hometown. And then, after the game, I saw my family, and I couldn't speak.

“Even my mum was there - and I couldn't speak to her, not one word. Football is like this, of course. It's tough and you have to focus on it being just a sport and to try harder next time.

“It's like the coach said: ‘we're going to try next year and next year and next year.’” Rodri added: “One day it is going to happen. But first you need the experience of semi-finals and finals.

“Then it is