"It will be like a derby for me" - Ex-Manchester United star opens up on 'motivation' to beat Man City ahead of UCL final with Inter

Former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian has pledged his allegiance to his former employers, likening the upcoming UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City to a derby game.

The Inter Milan man represented the Red Devils between 2015-19, making close to a century of appearances.

Darmian on Man City: "Being a former #mufc player is probably extra motivation. It will be good to play against them. It will be like a derby for me. We need to be ready and play our own game to beat them. It will not be easy." [@MailSport] https://t.co/BLaNITIxzj

Speaking to Mail Sport ahead of the Champions League final with Inter Milan, Darmian seemed motivated and excited to do well:

"Being a former Manchester United player is probably extra motivation. It will be good to play against them (City). It will be like a derby for me. We need to be ready and play our own game to beat them. It will not be easy."

Inter Milan overcame city rivals AC Milan in the semifinals to make their first UCL final since the 2009-10 season. Manchester City, meanwhile, demolished holders Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate to reach the title match.

The Italian lcub have won three Champions League titles, while the Cityzens are pursuing their first. Both teams have performed well and are deserving finalists this year, so the game at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on Saturday (June 9) promises to be a cracker.

Darmian has been a key component of the Inter Milan team this season, having made 47 appearances across competitions, including ten in the Champions League final. He has been deployed in multiple positions in the starting XI but has always been dedicated and performed to the best of his abilities.

Sheikh Jassim makes 'take it or leave it' offer to buy Manchester United

Qatari mogul Sheikh Jassim has made his last and final offer to purchase Manchester United from the Glazer family, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Jassim said that this will be the final offer, and he will no longer engage with the club after Friday.

◾️ 100% of Manchester United
◾️ Clear all debts
◾️ Additional funding purely for club's ongoing player, infrastructure, and other investments needs
◾️ No other bid has these

More details on Sheikh Jassim's fifth and final bid for #MUFC ⤵️🔴 https://t.co/2qDZAqlv2z

The sensational bid is structured as a £5 billion straight fee, which would go to the Glazers and also clear up allthe club's historic debts. Sheikh Jassim would also offer an additional £1 billion as investment into players and infrastructure.

The consortium faces competition from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns OGC Nice in Ligue 1 in France. The Glazers have, so far, favoured the Englishman, but it remains to be seen what their response is after Jassim's humongous offer.