Fernandinho says that reaching the Champions League final has been made even sweeter by the years Manchester City spent out of the top flight of English football.
In a little under four days' time City will line up to compete in the first Champions League final in their history at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto.
Chelsea, who have competed in two finals themselves and lifted the trophy once, stand in the way of the Blues being crowned European champions.
Twenty years ago the club had just been relegated back to the second division and Fernandinho thinks that hardship makes Saturday's game even sweeter.
“I think it’s a fantastic achievement," Fernandinho said. "Because if you look at Manchester City’s history, which has been through periods of playing in the lower divisions in England, supporters who suffered for so long but stuck with the club, and kept supporting the club during tough times, and now to be able to see that the team is in a Champions League final now is a really special moment, for everyone who’s part of this club.
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"I usually say that it’s not just the team in general, but I also like to highlight every person who works here, and this is something which is amazing, because the work done here on a daily basis is great, maybe people aren’t aware of this but they’re doing a top job here, and there’s no doubt that it's for the fans who’ve been through many moments in their lives.
"So, we’ve got fans who two seasons ago I had the honour of leading onto the pitch two ladies who were over 100 years old, so you can imagine what they saw in their 100 years of age supporting Manchester City – so much joy, but also so much sadness as well.
"So, if you can make a Champions League final with the chance of winning it, I think for the fans and the club in general it’s a great thing.”
