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.
