“Close to tears” - Rodri breaks silence after limping off against Fluminense in Club World Cup

Rodri has broken his silence after being forced off with an injury during Manchester City’s Club World Cup win over Fluminense.

On Friday, City added the Club World Cup to their growing trophy collection after easing past Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense 4-0.

Pep Guardiola’s side scored after just 45 seconds through Julian Alvarez, before Phil Foden’s cross forced an own goal from Fluminense defender Nino on 27 minutes.

Foden then tapped home a cross from Alvarez, before the latter netted a late strike from the edge of the box to give City a resounding victory.

However, the result was soured by an injury to Manchester City’s midfield lynchpin, Rodri.

The Spaniard limped off after a rough tackle by Fluminense substitute Alexsander but went on to confirm that, despite initial fears over a serious injury, he is fine to play Everton next Wednesday.

Rodri told Sky Sports News: "I was very lucky today, to be honest - I think it was one of the worst tackles they have done [on me] in my career.

"I was so scared because I felt my knee but fortunately it was nothing. I said to the player you cannot do these types of things.

"Today I won more than a trophy. I go home safe. To be honest I felt very close to crying because I felt worried about what happened. I have pain because it was dramatic the way it goes. But nothing affects me."

With Rodri seemingly okay for the foreseeable future, Pep Guardiola can celebrate his 14th trophy as City manager.

Guardiola said after the game: "I am so proud of this club. What we have done is an outstanding achievement. 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.

"As a manager, it is what I am most proud of; that we are always there. No matter how much we win, no matter what trophies we lift, we are there again to fight for the next one.

"To win the treble was truly special, but to win two more trophies and now hold these five major titles shows the unique mentality of this team, of the club and its fans.

"It is something no other English team has ever achieved and we will always remember this incredible time we spent together."

Topics: Football, Rodri, Manchester City, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, FIFA Club World Cup

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.