He has already challenged the likes of Gareth Bale in recent days and now City defender Aleksandar Kolarov has laid down the gauntlet for none other than Christiano Ronaldo.

The Serbian, who helped his national side to a 6-1 thrashing of Wales on Tuesday night, has admitted though that he has a bigger task ahead of him when City face Madrid at the Bernabéu.

“But the 26-year-old is confident he can do a similar job on former Manchester United winger Ronaldo to the one he did on Bale, who scored from a free-kick but was otherwise ineffective,” writes The Daily Star’s James Dobson.

The paper also quotes the defender in his own words: “He's a special player - with Messi he is the best player in the world,” Kolarov calimed.

“So to play against someone like that will be a big test. He played for Man United too so he will want to score against us.”

“But I'll be confident, because City can go to Madrid with confidence. It should be a great night for the club.”

Elsewhere this morning, new signing Maicon has received the backing of former City player and Club Ambassador Patrick Vieira.

The Frenchman told The Daily Mail he believes the 31-year-old will provide a major boost for the Blues.

“Maicon is a fantastic player. I spent a few years with him at Inter and he has experience and talent,” Vieira revealed.

“He has the ambition to be part of the Brazilian national team for the World Cup.

“It is something really important for him and I am sure he will bring a lot to this football club. He is a fantastic character to have around too.

“Maicon has the experience of winning the Italian league and the Champions League and to have him at the football club is fantastic.