For Kyle Walker, Manchester City's past failures in the Champions League have led them to Saturday's date with destiny in Istanbul.
From defeat to Chelsea in the final two years ago, to last season's heartbreaking semi-final exit to Real Madrid, it has been a brutal learning curve for City in Europe. But City defender Walker feels Pep Guardiola's players had to endure those near-misses and disappointments to learn what it takes to finally go on and lift the famous trophy.
“I don't think any great team goes straight to the final and wins it,” said Walker. “I think you always have to go through setbacks and losses. I think all big teams have to go through setbacks to actually maybe give you the little bit of desire where you want to actually turn that around.
“We've been here before. When you walk out, you hear the anthem playing and see the cup. These are the things when you walk out before and you're not really expecting it you think 'Oh my gosh, it's actually happening now'.
“Now when you walk out, you know you've been here before and it's just about playing your football and trusting the people around you - Erling [Haaland] popping up with the goals, Kevin [De Bruyne] popping up with the assists – so I think we'll be alright.”
Walker did not have long to brood on City's defeat to Chelsea two summers ago, as he went straight to join up with England for the European Championships. There was further disappointment, as Gareth Southgate's side lost in the final to Italy on penalties, with Walker admitting it was tough reuniting with England's Chelsea contingent.
“It was hard seeing all the Chelsea boys there,” said Walker. “You say congratulations to them, because they're your team-mates now, but it was tough. Then I experienced the loss against Italy in the final and I had to pick myself up again. That's football, everything isn't always going to go swimmingly.”
Saturday will be the longest day for Walker, who finds it hard to fill the time when faced with an evening kick-off: “I hate eight o'clock games, because of the wait all day to go to the game,” said Walker. “I'd rather it kicked off at three o'clock and then it's done then. I just eat and sleep."
“Obviously you need to get your nutrition in and move around the hotel if you need to get some treatment, but it's about preparing so you're mentally fresh for the game. What else can you do? You can't bring the game forward, I just have to deal with it and have a little nap in the afternoon. Then I don't sleep after the game.”
Earlier this season, Walker lost his City place, with Guardiola claiming he could not play in his preferred system, with full-backs moving into midfield. Although his pride was hurt, Walker accepted his plight and worked hard to reclaim his place, with the England star a certainty to start Saturday's final.
“He's my manager and I have to listen to him,” said Walker. “He's the boss of this club and makes the decision on who goes onto the field and I have to accept that, right or wrong. I had to get my head down, do my extra work in the gym and make sure I was putting in performances on the training field.
“When I've got the chance I've tried to play good football, defend well and hopefully that will give him the confidence to carry on picking me in the big games.”
