Manuel Akanji claimed John Stones played like Diego Maradona after Manchester City gained the Champions League and accomplished the treble.
Stones was a key determine as City capped a memorable season with a hard-fought however superb 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in Saturday’s European showcase closing in Istanbul.
The England worldwide has loved a nice finish to the season having been deployed in a brand new roving function by supervisor Pep Guardiola.
The centre-back retains his traditional defensive duties when City are on the again foot however, given their tendency to dominate possession, he now has licence to step into midfield and dictate play extra.
Defender Akanji mentioned: “The method he dribbled, he played like Maradona. He simply took the ball, went previous three individuals, handed it elsewhere.
“He created a lot of opportunities for us. He is an unbelievable player.”
After retaining the Premier League and successful the FA Cup, together with some beautiful Champions League wins over Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, City had been sturdy favourites on the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
The Barnsley Beckenbauer! #ManCity | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/U9gEX0B9Cu
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 10, 2023
Yet with Inter proving dogged opposition, City have been unable to supply their glowing greatest and it took a 68th-minute strike from Rodri for them to interrupt by means of.
They additionally needed to survive a few scares as Inter chased an equaliser and Akjani was simply happy to finish the job.
The Switzerland participant mentioned: “It wasn’t simple for us. It was a closing and it’s been such a protracted season.
“You’re feeling drained however you strive one final time to present it your all.
“It didn’t actually work the best way we deliberate it within the first half. I feel we got here out higher within the second half and we scored a objective.
“Inter obviously had to do something and they had a couple of chances but we defended well as a team together and I’m just really happy that we won.”
Akanji admitted it may take a while for the magnitude of the achievement to sink in.
The 27-year-old, who has proved a shrewd signing since his deadline day arrival from Borussia Dortmund final summer time, mentioned: “We won the treble this year and that’s all that matters, but I am still trying to realise it. Day by day it will get better.”
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