BBC Pundit Chris Sutton says Nottingham Forest are more of an elite club than Manchester City because Pep Guardiola's side have yet to win the Champions League.
In a hot debate on Five Live last night, Michah Richards and Sutton were both discussing whether City can be regarded as one of the kings of European football.
But Sutton said that no club can be considered elite until it has lifted the Europe's flagship competition.
"They (City) can never be regarded as an elite club in Europe and worldwide until they have won the Champions League," he said.
"You can't put them in Manchester United's, Liverpool's, Chelsea's or Celtic's category.
"City can't be regarded as a European great.
Richards then interjected to ask about Forest.
And Sutton's answer will have delighted Reds fans.
"Nottingham Forest? Yes, elite.
"They are in an elite league.
"History counts.
"It doesn't matter about the bank balance, they (City) haven't won the Champions League."
Forest made history when they won the European Cup in two successive years as they lifted it in 1978/79 season and then did so again 12 months later.
The competition is now known as the Champions League, but City have yet to lift it although they could still do so this year when the competition resumes later this month.
