Monday 25 April 2016 15:18, UK
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says the squad are 'hungry' for the chance to tackle Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.
It is the first time City have reached this stage of Europe's premier club tournament and the first leg takes place at the Etihad on Tuesday night.
But, far from feeling pre-match nerves, Kompany says the City squad have been looking forward to pitting their skills against the Spanish giants.
"It's massive," said Kompany. "I have been through a very long process with this team.
"To play in the semi-final is in itself something really good but you want to go to the next stage now.
"It's really good to be able to measure yourselves against a team like Real Madrid and seeing how far you have got after so many years.
"If you get to the semi-finals there is nothing bad any more for you, you just want to play. The whole team has been positive and it has even lifted us in the Premier League, if I am honest. It has given us something to look forward to.
"It's a hard battle to get to this stage and, as much as there is a lot riding on this game, what everyone wishes within the club is that we are able to show how good we are.
"If we perform at the level we are capable of, it will be a fair game. That is what we hope for, especially as it is a first time for the club.
"For every single player in the team, if you are not hungry tomorrow, you will never be hungry in football."
Kompany has also called on the City fans to be at their noisiest, feeling a raucous first leg atmosphere will benefit the hosts.
"We play one of the greatest clubs of all time and I think our support can make a difference," said Kompany.
"I have never seen a Man City team not turn up, if the fans are up for it.
"It's actually an appeal to them. They have to be as loud as they have ever been, that's what we need from them."
Kompany has been troubled by a calf injury this season but is adamant that he is fit and ready to face the fearsome Madrid front line.
"I am 100 per cent," he said. "Everything went well. As always, unfortunately, when you are injured, you have to work a lot harder than the rest. That's what I did and I am 100 per cent.
"People talk about my injuries but I talk about my comebacks. That is what I have in my head.
"People talk about 14 injuries to my calf and I talk about 14 times I have come back and played like I have never been away. It takes a lot of strength of character to do that."
