Manchester City’s Nigel De Jong believes Manchester United clash has more significance than FIFA World Cup final
Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong has stated that the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United has more significance to him than the FIFA World Cup final he played in 2010.
He admitted that the fixture is crucial for the Citizens, as it could define, and end their season on a high. The FA Cup is the only hope for the Manchester club to win a trophy this season and they would be hoping their heavy
spending last summer pays off with at least one piece of silverware.
Manchester City will face city rivals Manchester United in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday, April 16.
De Jong admitted that the clash is crucial for City as it is the only means of silverware left for the Citizens. According to the Dutchman, Manchester United have an obvious edge as they have three wins in the last three encounters,
but he remained hopeful that his side will be able to break that streak.
“The semi-final now is more important for me and the team than a World Cup final. United have that little edge on us because they have beaten us three times late on. Hopefully it won’t be a fourth time,” the former Hamburg player
was quoted as saying.
The 26-year old claimed that other clubs envy Manchester City as the Citizens have the power to spend and attract big players. He revealed that no other club is as financially strong as City are and that is why they are jealous.
De Jong also believes his club will be a major force in the Premier League and in Europe in the near future.
“City have got the label now that we’re the biggest spending club in the world and all the negativity that surrounds it. Of course people are jealous. How many clubs in the Premier League would like a spending limit like City?
Everybody’s trying to put us on the ground and that’s normal. People are afraid of something new, and something new is coming in the football world,” the midfielder concluded.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nigel-de-Jong-c27882 joined Manchester City from Hamburg in January 2009 in an 18-million pound move. He has made 78 appearances for the Eastlands club in three seasons so far.
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