Rodri, who helped Manchester City win the treble five days earlier, is set to be called upon immediately for Spain in the Nations League on Thursday.
Coach Luis de la Fuente of Spain stated he had not yet decided on his starting lineup for the semi-final match against Italy in Enschede, but he made it clear that Rodri was a strong chance to play some part in the contest.
The midfielder scored the game-winning goal for City against Inter Milan in the Champions League final on Saturday, but instead of joining his teammates in celebrating, he has joined the national team for the four-nation event in the Netherlands.
After winning the Champions League and being named the player of the match, he couldn’t be more motivated. He made City an important part of history. Of course, winning the Champions League is really challenging, the Spain coach said during a press conference on Wednesday.
Aymeric Laporte, who did not play on Saturday as City finished off their sweep of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League championships, has joined Rodri in the Spain team.
De la Fuente praised Rodri and Laporte as “two great professionals who come prepared to play.” They initially worked independently of the squad before collaborating with everyone. There is no doubt in my mind that they will be there for us if we need them.
In their final match in March, a shocking loss to Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying, Rodri, who turns 27 next week, led Spain for the first time.
De la Fuente, who took over for Luis Enrique, lost his first game as manager at Glasgow.
“Game after game, we will get closer to the look and feel we desire, but I’m incredibly excited about this group of players. Every day, they are getting better, he remarked.
“We’re playing Italy in a semifinal tomorrow. It is a sizable game. And I have no doubt that we will be able to meet the task. It doesn’t happen frequently when you are two games away from winning a major championship, the coach continued.