I’ll always have special memories of the Manchester derby. It’s one of the biggest games in club football in the world and as a player, it was a match you were desperate to be involved in.
I played in the last derby to be played at Maine Road and it was an unforgettable day. Man United were probably one of the best teams in the world at that point with a team of fantastic players.
Peter Schmeichel was in goal for us that day which felt a bit strange given his history with United. It was a huge game for us and our supporters because we wanted to win the final derby at our ground – it would be something everyone would remember and we were determined that we wouldn’t lose this game.
It was memorable for many reasons – the atmosphere, the way we played on the day and for Shaun Goater who scored his 99th and 100th goals in the 3-1 win. Of all the games I played in my club and international career, this was one of my favourites.
This Sunday I will be watching the derby from my home in Israel.
You’d have to say that neither team is going into the game in the best form. United have been a bit hit and miss this season and our form hasn’t been fantastic so it’s not easy to predict what will happen.
It goes without saying I always hope City will win – they are the team I have very happy memories of playing for so I hope we will win this game and if we are anywhere near our best, I expect a City victory.
One of the key players, as always, will be David Silva who I believe is the best midfielder in the Premier League and has been for a number of years.
He plays in my position and it’s always nice to see great players like Silva and I love to watch him play each week. People sometimes ask would I have liked to have played alongside a player like Silva and the answer is simple – anyone would love to play alongside a player of Silva’s quality and if he’s on form against United, City will definitely win.
I hope to return to Manchester soon and take in a game and I still hope my two sons who are very promising players and both like me, will both one day play for Manchester City – that’s a dream of mine and I hope it comes true.
