Man City's Rodri plays down injury concerns after 'worst tackle of career'
Pep Guardiola's side conquered the globe and won their fifth trophy of 2023 by virtue of a 4-0 thrashing of Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense, who succumbed to Julian Alvarez's brace, Phil Foden's effort and a Nino own goal.
However, with the Citizens 2-0 up midway through the second half, Rodri was the victim of a terrible tackle from behind from Fluminense's Alexsander, which left the Spaniard clutching his knee in agony on the turf.
The Spain international received treatment for a few minutes before trying to carry on, and straight from the restart, City increased their lead to three goals via Foden's close-range finish.
Rodri was on the pitch for that phase of play, but the 27-year-old quickly dropped to the ground again and trudged off the field alongside a member of the medical team, sparking concern about his availability for the festive fixtures.
Rodri allayed any fears of a long-term problem when speaking to Sky Sports News after the game, although he lambasted Alexsander's challenge as one of the worst he has been on the receiving end of.
«I was very lucky today. It was one of the worst tackles in my career. I was so scared because I felt my knee but fortunately it was nothing,» the former Atletico Madrid man said.
«I said to the player: 'You cannot do these kind of actions.' 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.»
When asked if he would be available for Man City's imminent Premier League trip to Everton on Wednesday night, Rodri responded: «Yes. I have pain
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