An already rigorous fixture schedule, with City entering the latter stages of all three cup competitions on top of our league commitments, was condensed further by the demands of a campaign affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the turn of the new year, there have only been two occasions where Pep Guardiola’s men haven’t played at least two matches in the space of seven days; that being during the March international break and in the build-up to Saturday’s showpiece.
In spite of this, our success has derived from a relentless work ethic, a phenomenal team bond, and an intense focus on short term success to help achieve our long term goals.
However, Ederson has called for his teammates to try and savour every moment of our first European final in 51 years.
Our Brazilian stopper also revealed that featuring in the Champions League final will fulfil one of his career ambitions.
“It was always my dream as a player to be able to play a Champions League final,” he declared.
“I always worked hard to reach a moment like this.
“It’s very important for me to play a Champions League final, because it feels I have achieved the goal I always set for myself.
“Of course, not only for me, but for the rest of my teammates, the club and the fans as well. It’s the most important game in our careers.
“It’s a remarkable day for the players, but also for Manchester City.
“The final result will be a consequence of what we do during the game.
“It’s just one game and anything can happen, but I’m very happy for me and for the team for the moment we are living.
“I hope we can enjoy it and win the trophy.”
A maiden Champions League trophy would cap off what will already go down in our history as a truly memorable campaign.
Nonetheless, victory in Portugal is far from a foregone conclusion, as we pit our wits against Thomas Tuchel’s resurgent Chelsea.
Although the Londoners have got the better of us in recent encounters, Ederson is confident that, should we focus on our own game, we are more than capable of coming out on top.
He reflected: “Unfortunately, in the last two confrontations against them we were defeated, but I think we played well overall.
“I think the team is ready. If the team keeps playing the good football we have been playing over the last six months, I think we have a lot of chances to win the game.
“Of course, being a Champions League final, it’s a completely different story. I hope the team can be focused and play a good game to get the final win.
“I don’t think there is one favourite. In just one game, it’s 50/50.
“I think it’s going to be a very competitive game and I hope it’s a great game to watch for the fans.”
