When Riyad Mahrez left Leicester for Manchester City in a £60million deal in 2018, he was unequivocal about why he made the move.
“The Champions League,” said Mahrez. "I made the decision to come here because I want to be part of that.
"The Champions League is for big clubs. City are a big club, they have everything to try to win it.”
Three years on and Mahrez, whose three goals over two legs of the semi-final secured a 4-1 aggregate win for City over Paris St Germain, is on the brink of fulfilling that goal.
City's progress to the final in Istanbul on May 29 may have been a collective effort, but Mahrez has shone brightly, stepping up with the goals and match-winning displays when it mattered.
He scored City's second in the 2-1 win away to PSG and plundered both on Tuesday at the Etiahd Stadium as the Blues made history by reaching the final for the first time.
Mahrez's form this season has made him undroppable, a far cry from his first season, when he started half of City's Premier League games on the bench and struggled to make an impact.
The Algerian winger was perceived by many as a vanity signing by Pep Guardiola, a player he did not need given he had talent already there in Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva.
But Mahrez applied himself and that determination has been rewarded by this season, with the 30-year-old having emerged as one of City's most influential players with 14 goals – his best return since joining Guardiola's side - and seven assists.
Reflecting on his fine form this season, Mahrez, who has two years left on his current deal but is set to sign a contract extension, admitted playing regularly had been the key to him producing his best form.
“I think it's when you play more,” said Mahrez. “You're more decisive when the confidence is high, and when the confidence is high it's easier for you to perform.
“I think it's all about confidence. I'm very good, very happy, so when I'm like this it's easier for me to perform and perform better.”
While his skill and elegance on the ball has never been in doubt, Mahrez has added to the defensive side of his game since joining City, improving the work ethic Guardiola demands of all his players.
As well as having 43 touches in the first half against PSG, more than anyone bar Ilkay Gundogan, Mahrez made four tackles and interceptions, proving there is another side to his game.
With three weeks until the Champions League final, City's players have the chance to show Guardiola they deserve to start the biggest game of their lives in Istanbul.
Mahrez, though, is a certain starter, barring injury, his elevation this season further vindication of City's successful recruitment policy and Guardiola's faith in a player of rare gifts, one who just needed time to produce his best on a consistent basis.
