Roberto Mancini has put local rivalry to one side and extended his congratulations to Manchester United for reaching their third UEFA 
Champions League final in four years.
The Italian’s Manchester City team are hoping to accompany the Red Devils into Europe’s premier club competition next term.
Mancini already knows the exacting standards required, having been part of the Sampdoria team defeated by Barcelona in the last Wembley final in 1992.
And he has nothing but admiration for United’s achievements, even if he feels they face a stern test against the Catalan giants, the side he currently regards as the best in the world, on 28 May.
“I say congratulations to Manchester United,” stated the 46-year-old. “It is a final and it is impossible to know what the result will be.
“Barcelona have probably played the best football in the world for many years. But Manchester United are a very strong team, probably one of the best three or four in Europe along with Real Madrid and Chelsea.”
Mancini’s own day at the highest stage ended in disappointment when Ronald Koeman’s extra-time goal condemned Sampdoria to defeat. However, almost two decades on, the memories make him smile.
“It was a fantastic day,” said Mancini. “We lost the game in extra time but this is football. In a final anything can happen.”
United are able to upset the Catalan giants in the final. Sir Alex Ferguson’s strategy will probably play a key role in this historical final. All football lovers should be delighted to watch such a dream final.