On the eve of the Champions League semi-final return between Manchester City and Real Madrid, this Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium (9 p.m. on RMC Sport 1), Kyle Walker was pleased with the good end to the season of his . Welcoming in particular the performance of Ilkay Gündogan. While giving an appointment to Vinicius Jr.
There are evenings to write his legend. Manchester City will have the opportunity against Real Madrid, this Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium, in the semi-final return of the Champions League (9 p.m. on RMC Sport 1). After clinching a draw at the Bernabeu last week (1-1), Pep Guardiola’s players can strike a blow in front of their audience. To reach their second C1 final, after the one lost in 2021 against Chelsea (1-0). “We can hope to put our names in the history books,” summarized Kyle Walker to the press on the eve of the clash.
In a good position to be crowned champions of England and qualified for the FA Cup final (June 3 against Manchester United), the Skyblues can experience a historic end to the season. At the time of the final sprint, they also seem to be in great shape, like Ilkay Gündogan, sparkling during his last outings. “With this group, nothing is over. We are tackling the end of the season. We were joking with ‘Gundo’, he turned into Zidane in the last two months,” laughs Walker.
“If I can’t compete with Vinicius Jr, I shouldn’t be here”
Facing the Merengue, the right side of City will again find itself in the area of Vinicius Jr, scorer in the first leg. “It’s a duel against one of the best players in the world. I faced many who were as good as him. Whoever is in front, it will be a great battle, promises the England international. I take it like any other game, you have to show him respect. Like Mbappé at the World Cup (during the France-England quarter-final, editor’s note). You give them the respect they deserve. I represent City , the club’s ambition is huge. If I can’t compete with these top players, I shouldn’t be here. I have to make sure I’m up against the best and I can match them.”
Asked about the sometimes provocative side of the Brazilian dribbler, Kyle Walker was quite calm: “He’s a very good player, who does what it takes to get his team to cross the finish line. I don’t get involved I don’t mind if there’s nasty talk. I’ve been through things harder than the people who confuse me. I’ve seen him get shot down easily, that’s part of the game to take advantage of his opponent. But don’t take his football away from him, he’s a great player”.
