Spain midfielder Rodri was named the best player of Euro 2024 after helping La Roja beat England 2-1 to win the competition for a fourth time in Berlin on Sunday.
Rodri had to be replaced at half-time of the final after picking up a knee injury but was rewarded for his excellent performances as Spain also overcame host Germany and France to reach the final.
The Manchester City man’s only goal of the tournament came in scoring the equaliser in a 4-1 win over Georgia in the last 16.
AS IT HAPPENED | SPAIN VS ENGLAND HIGHLIGHTS, EURO 2024 FINAL
However, he was hailed by coach Luis de la Fuente as a “perfect computer” for his metronomic passing and reading of the game that proved vital to carrying a young side through a devilishly difficult draw to glory.
“My God, what a day, this is surely the best day of my career,” Rodri said after he was presented with the Player of the Tournament award.
“You only have to see the family we have built … Now we are the national team that has won the most European Championships,” said Rodri, who paid tribute to Spain’s young players in particular —Nico Williams is just 22 and Lamine Yamal turned 17 on Saturday. They won the player of the match and young player of the tournament awards, respectively.
“Many of us here won Under-19 and Under-21 European Championships, and this is something that is cultivated and nurtured and you work hard for,” Rodri said. “Today we are champions of Europe and we’re not going to stop here.”
Rodri has now lost just once in his last 80 games in all competitions for club and country and can add the Euros to a glittering list of silverware in that time.
The 28-year-old has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, one FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup with City, as well as the Nations League with Spain.
(With inputs from AP)
