Man City defender John Stones feels that it would be wrong to view Inter Milan as underdogs in the Champions League final.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews, the 29-year-old also praised Nerazzurri striker Romelu Lukaku.
In the eyes of many, Man City are the favourites in Saturday evening’s Champions League final.
It’s not hard to see why – the Cityzens have forged a dominant path through the competition. They’re brushed aside the likes of RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid.
Moreover, City have seen off a formidable challenge from Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
In striker Erling Haaland, the Cityzens can boast perhaps European football’s most lethal striker.
On the other hand, the Nerazzurri have been underdogs in the past, and it’s a position that’s suited them. Inter have produced some of their most impressive performances of the season against teams like Barcelona and Napoli.
Accordingly, City will hardly relish the idea of an Inter side who really see themselves as underdogs on Saturday.
Man City Star John Stones: Inter Milan Not Underdogs In Istanbul
City defender Stones remarked that “We want to be the best, and only in doing so can we win.”
“We, as a team, don’t consider Inter underdogs,” he continued. “We respect every team.”
“I think that’s more something that people say from outside.”
“I certainly don’t think so, because I give everyone the respect they deserve,” Stones said.
“I’m quite aware of how strong my team is, and that we can win by playing as a team,” he added.
“If we play as a team, we can win.”
Asked if there’s an Inter player who he admires in particular, Stones replied “Romelu Lukaku for sure.”
“We played together at Everton,” he noted.
“I’m a fan of him as a player, but also as a person.”
Stones said that “I like Romelu, what he’s done during his career, what he did when we played together.”