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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Turnbull

Manchester City crowned Champions of Europe after determined display in Istanbul

Manchester City are the champions of Europe after defeating Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

City have also completed the treble making them just the second English team to ever do so following Manchester United in 1999.

It wasn't easy for City. Inter Milan dug deep and defended resolutely and had chances of their own. But it was Rodri's 68th minute strike that was enough to secure victory. City will be thankful for goalkeeper Ederson after he pulled off two fantastic late saves to ensure the victory.

READ MORE: Man City vs Inter Milan LIVE: Fire breaks out and fans face motorway chaos before Istanbul final

It's City's first European trophy since the 1970 European Cup Winners Cup and their first ever Champions League title. They've now entered football immortality and join bitter rivals Manchester United as the only two English sides to ever win the treble.

Speaking to BT Sport after the match, goalscorer Rodri said, "I'm emotional. This is a dream come true. All these guys deserve, all these guys around here have been waiting I don't know how many years, 20, 30 40. I've been here just four years, but they deserve, we deserve.

"It wasn't easy. What a team we faced, unbelievable they way they defend, the way they counter-attack, they deserve also credit because they are a great team.

"But I don't want to forget about my lads. We did everything.

Kevin de Bruyne, who was was forced off before half-time with an injury, also spoke to BT Sport and expressed his happiness at the win "It's amazing, we've been working so long for this and to be part of this, the history for the club and for everything that we did as a team. I think we fully deserve this, we've not lost in the Champions League this year.

"It wasnt the best game but the final's always difficult, now it's time to celebrate."

Manchester City now join Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa as the English teams to have won the European Cup or Champions League. The wait for an Italian victory goes on with Inter the last team to win the competition back in 2010.

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