Spain midfielder Rodri is going through the best period of his career as he prepares for a second final in the space of a week, looking to add national team success to taking the treble with Manchester City.

The commanding midfielder, who turns 27 next week, was the hero for City last Saturday as they won a first-ever Champions League title with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in Istanbul.

On Sunday, he is expected to be key again, this time for Spain as they take on Croatia to decide the Nations League champions in Rotterdam.

Asked at a news conference on Saturday whether these were the best times of his career, Rodri replied: “I think so, in terms of footballing maturity, winning trophies and having wonderful experiences, I would say yes, it is.”

“I want to extend that to the national team now. We beat Italy two days ago in a very tough game, and now we have another final to play. And we must understand the importance of taking these chances and winning a trophy for the first time in a long while. It would be the perfect way to end the season.”

Rodri. Getty Images

Rodri has played over 60 games this season, more than 5,900 minutes, helping Manchester City to historic heights and competing for Spain at last year’s World Cup.

“I’ve tried to just take things calmly and naturally. When there are happy moments, you need to know how to accept the praise. But I’m more focused on the team overall, what matters is winning trophies as a team, that’s what I’ve always wanted.”

Rodri has won 42 caps for Spain since his debut in 2018 and played in the losing team in the 2021 Nations League final against France.

“I think it would be brilliant to win a trophy for Spain for the first time in a long while. It would be very important not just in terms of winning, but also in terms of forging a winning future.”

If Rodri holds the key for Luis de la Fuente’s men, then 37-year-old Luka Modric will be the man Croatia will be banking on. A win could earn their first-ever major trophy against a team he knows like the back of his hand.

Questions surround the midfield maestro over his future both in international football and at club level with Real Madrid, with his contract set to end this month.

Before resolving them, the Croatia captain is aiming to lead his country to glory. Modric made his international debut in 2006 and, against the Netherlands on Thursday, earned his 165th international cap. He converted a penalty to help fire Croatia into the, one step closer towards that elusive “gold”.

He pulled the strings from the midfield against the likes of Frenkie de Jong, but Rodri will provide a stern test.

Written with inputs from Reuters

Final match

■ Croatia vs Spain, 12.15am IST Monday, live on Sony Sports Network