Pep Guardiola: Manchester City Treble-winners can be judged among the greats

City clinched their maiden Champions League crown at their second attempt following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul on Saturday night.

A 68th-minute Rodri strike was enough to see the Premier League and FA Cup champions complete a historic treble – the first English club to do so since Manchester United in 1998/99.

City have dominated the domestic scene under Guardiola, winning five Premier League titles in six years as well as two FA Cups and four Carabao Cups, but European success had eluded them.

"You have to win in Europe to be considered a great team and we did it," said Guardiola in his post-match press conference at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

The challenge now for City will be to build on their triumph and establish a dynasty in European football.

Guardiola said: "I don't want to disappear after one Champions League. We have to work hard next season and be there [in the running].

"There are teams who win the Champions League and disappear. We have to avoid that.

"Knowing me, it is not going to happen but it is a big relief to have this trophy."

Guardiola paid tribute to Inter for their dogged performance, and to the City hierarchy for keeping faith in him after years of near misses in the competition.

"For Inter, I must congratulate them for their performance. I know what they feel because we felt it two years ago," he added.

"There are no words that can handle the pain but they are the second-best team in Europe and that is incredible."

The Spanish tactician further shared a word of praise for his superiors, who kept faith in his project to deliver the most coveted prize in European club football.

"The second word is for my sporting director, CEO and chairman. Normally when you don't win the Champions League after so many years, you are sacked. How many clubs destroy the project?

"It looks like this competition this year was in the stars.

"Now is time to celebrate. I am looking forward to Monday in Manchester on our [open-top bus] with three trophies," he concluded.