Edinson Cavani knows all too well about the significance of derbies and is desperate to be involved in Manchester United's clash with Manchester City on Saturday, presumably from the first whistle.
The 186th Manchester derby is a particularly interesting one as, despite all the turmoil under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer right now, United could draw level with City on points in the Premier League.
Due to a combination of injuries and suspension, Cavani conspired to miss all three of the matches against the Blues last season but goes into this one fighting fit and in good form after scoring a fine goal in last weekend's victory over Tottenham.
And the veteran striker has made no secret of his desire to be involved in such a big occasion.
“I understand perfectly well what these games mean, and I feel just how significant a derby is for a club and its fan-base,” Cavani told United Review .
“I think there are some games that are really special, because of all the history behind them and the rivalry that exists with the other club.
“They are the kind of games that I think everyone, including me at least, wants to be involved in, because they are very special occasions. Games that remain part of history and stay in everyone’s memory.”
Cavani is no stranger to hotly-contested matches, having played his part in fierce rivalries between Napoli and Juventus as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille in the past.
“I have one or two memories of other derbies I’ve played in, such as Paris-Marseille, where I’ve been fortunate enough to get on the scoresheet,” the Uruguayan added.
“You can feel the joy you experience and the passion you feel the moment you score.
“I’ve played in Napoli-Juventus games which unfortunately isn’t considered a true Clásico , but it is an opponent in a game that, over the years, has announced itself as almost a derby game.
“[In Manchester], last season you’d see the odd fan who’d let you know that the derby game was coming up.
“But they’ve also spoken to me about how much the Liverpool game means to them too. I think it’s also one of those games that’s talked about an awful lot and where you can feel it yourself, just exactly what it means. That derby shares that same feeling, a special game that the fans really want to win.”
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