But first things first. Austria was good and I enjoyed the training camp in Seefeld but it was good to get back to Manchester and see my family for a few days.
It was also great to see the lads who have only just returned to training again after the Euros and have everyone back together – well almost everyone, aside from David Silva and Mario who went all the way to the final and have a few more days’ rest.
I think that’s very important that we are even more together now as a unit because I think this season will be more difficult than the last one, though I hope it can be just as amazing as last year.
I have personal goals this year and I think this is very important to set targets. I think it would be great to win two or three cups this year – and I don’t think I’m being greedy when I say that!
Of course, there wasn’t much respite after we returned because we were soon packed up again and flying off to China.
We are now in Beijing – my second visit to China having been here before with Barcelona. It was a long flight but I managed to get some sleep on the way over. I usually just put my iPod on when I get on board and either watch a film or listen to music.
I watched The Whole Nine Yards recently and I enjoy anything that makes me smile. We received a warm welcome on our arrival in China and it was nice to see a few City shirts mixed in with the people who gathered at the airport and the team hotel to welcome us.
The Chinese people are very respectful and it is a pleasure to be here.
We had a light, enjoyable training session in the evening before a few of us had the opportunity to meet Jackie Chan – a genuine Hollywood legend and a really nice guy, too.
Then it was time to turn in for some much needed rest. We will train again tomorrow but it will be a more intense session and I’m glad that it’s open to the local people who probably don’t get to see that many Premier League sides up close.
We have a big game against Arsenal coming up and so we need to get a good work-out under our belts…
