Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that he was not bothered about who his side would be paired with in this morning's Champions League semi-final draw.
The Citizens are in the last four of Europe's elite competition for the first time and 10-time champions Real, not Atletico Madrid or Bayern Munich, were confirmed as City's opponents.
It means a return to Real for former manager Pellegrini, but he told reporters today that it did not matter who City were drawn against.
"It is a difficult draw," Pellegrini said. "It doesn't matter which team we played.
"There is no greater motivation. Always the motivation to play the semi-final is unbelievable. The fans will enjoy the Champions League more the further we go. It involves all the best teams in the world.
"There was no preference for the opponent."
Pellegrini also confirmed that Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Raheem Sterling would sit out this weekend's Premier League match against Chelsea.
Pascal Lemesre
