Kyle Walker, a defender for Manchester City, claims that the club's successes will not be defined by its performance in the Champions League, although he acknowledges that success would elevate them to the status of one of the finest teams in the world.
With Premier League titles in five of the last six seasons and a total of 11 trophies won since Pep Guardiola took over in 2016–17, City's dominance on the domestic stage is undeniable.
However, their lone previous appearance in a Champions League final resulted in a loss to Chelsea two years ago, and the club continues to receive the majority of football-related criticism for failing to win the sport's top prize.
Walker thinks their prize collection under Guardiola is deserving of praise, but he also understands that until they win the European Cup, it will continue to hang over their heads.
Before Saturday's championship game versus Inter Milan, the full-back said, "Winning or losing this doesn't define what this team has accomplished over the last six years."
"The fact that we might be considered to be among the all-time greatest Premier League teams is extremely helpful. If we weren't a good team, we wouldn't have won five Premier League titles in six years.We kind of know we're a good squad, but to be known as one of the top teams worldwide, you have to succeed.
We realize this is a fantastic opportunity, and with Pep and the core of players who have stayed, we definitely have a second chance. We need to make up for the mistakes we made against Chelsea.
In Istanbul, City is seeking not only a spot in history but also their first, elusive Champions League.
The only other team to win the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup trebles was Manchester United's neighbors in 1999.
Walker acknowledges that it serves as motivation and that achieving it would give Guardiola's team an added layer of legitimacy.
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