Joao Mario is looking forward to testing himself against the best on Sunday, when West Ham United welcome champions Manchester City to London Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s men sealed the Premier League title a couple of weeks back, following an astonishing season which has seen them amass 90 points from 34 games to date.
The task facing the Hammers on Sunday is undoubtedly a tough one, but Mario believes the team he joined on loan from Inter Milan in January can go one better than the narrow 2-1 loss they suffered in Manchester earlier this season.
“We’re up against a hard team on Sunday and it is not going to be an easy game, but we’re at home and we’re going to try, with our fans behind us, [to get a result],” the Euro 2016 winner said.
“Everyone enjoys watching the way Manchester City play. They have amazing football players and they are an incredible team.
“This is when you can show your quality, playing against big teams. We will try to find the space and do our best.”
Mario has made a positive impact during his temporary stay in E20, showing the qualities which have earned him 33 Portugal caps, and he wants to do his bit to help the Hammers make sure of their top flight status as soon as possible.
“I’m really enjoying my time here,” the No18 added. “The team is improving a lot, and playing in the Premier League is amazing for me. I think it’s the best championship in the world, so I’m really happy to be here.
“Playing in the Premier League was a goal for me, so I’ll keep going but the most important thing is guaranteeing our safety.”