Our all-time leading marksman will bid a fond farewell at the end of the current campaign after a memorable ten years at the Club.
He has scored an incredible 257 goals in 385 appearances, winning four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five League Cups in the process.
And while Rodrigo stressed that our unflinching desire for success is evident regardless, he admits that adding the Champions League to our trophy cabinet this season would feel particularly special for the squad.
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“We have the motivation every single year,” the Spaniard pointed out.
“Sergio is a very important player for us. Of course, he deserves to go in the best way from this club.
“For me, it would be a dream to achieve this competition with him and the team.
“It would be the best present for him and everyone.”
Rodrigo also sung the praises of his midfield partner Ilkay Gundogan ahead of our Champions League quarter-final first leg tie against Borussia Dortmund.
The German played for Die Borussen from 2011 to 2016 before moving to City and, if selected, he will be keen to add to his 16 goals this season by finding the back of the net against his previous employers.
But while Rodrigo agrees that Gundogan’s attacking prowess has deservedly earned him plaudits, he highlighted that the midfielder’s role in the team encompasses far more than his goals.
He said: “He has done an outstanding, unbelievable season!
“Not only because of the goals and assists, but what he does on the pitch, his moves, understanding of the game - he is very important for us.
“Not just here at City but for his country as well, he is scoring goals for Germany. So we have to pass him the ball!
“That’s the reality. We have lots of players in a good shape and we’re thankful of this.”
With 16 goals from 34 appearances so far this season from midfield, Gundogan is rightfully being touted as a potential candidate for the PFA Player of the Year award.
Rodrigo says he loves to see his teammates win individual awards but believes the German’s motivation has always been geared towards collective success, rather than personal achievements.
“If you’re talking about one of my teammates, for sure I am going to push one of my teammates to get this trophy,” the midfielder added.
“(But) he is not worried about this - he would prefer to achieve the collective trophies and this is a secondary thing.
