Man City injury scare as Rodri hobbles out of Club World Cup final after ‘one of the worst tackles’ in my career’

MANCHESTER CITY are on top of the world - but it came at a cost as they were left worrying on the condition of Rodri.

City thrashed Brazilian side Fluminense 4-0 in Jeddah to win the Club World Cup Final.

But Pep Guardiola was left sweating on the fitness of influential midfielder  after he was forced off with an injury late on.

The Spanish international, 27, was sent tumbling to the turf in agony after a shocking challenge from Fluminense’s Alexsander.

He did attempt to continue, but that did not last long as Guardiola decided to take no risks with the ace and soon brought him off.

And fortunately, Rodri later confirmed he had escaped serious injury.

Speaking after the game, Rodri said: "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.

"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."

FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES

The Cityzens were already 3-0 up when Rodri went off.

Julian Alvarez gave them the lead inside the first minute after he chested home the rebound after Nathan Ake's long-ranger bounced back off the post.

Phil Foden's deflected effort off defender Nino doubled the advantage on 27 minutes as City entered cruise control.

The England star then ensured that his name was on the scoresheet when he added a third on 72 minutes.

Just seconds later City were handed their major injury worry when Rodri limped off.

"I was very lucky today. It was one of the worst tackles in my career."

Rodri

City lost all three matches when he was absent through suspension earlier this term and Guardiola will be desperate to have him available for the hectic festive period.

But Alvarez managed to end the night on a high for the Cityzens as he grabbed his brace in the closing stages to seal the thumping victory.

Rodri, fortunately, was still able to go up and be presented with the Golden Ball trophy, which was awarded to the player of the tournament, after the game.

And he was soon joined on the stage by his team-mates as they lifted the Club World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football