Mueez Ajao
– The Senegal international Edouard Mendy has made history by becoming the first African goalkeeper to play in the competition’s final since 1985.
He has also won it.
– Edouard Mendy has set a Champions League record having made Chelsea’s starting XI for Saturday’s final against Manchester City.
– Edouard Mendy becomes the first African goalkeeper to play in a UEFAChampions League final & the first since Bruce Grobbelaar in 1985.
– He the first African keeper to play in the final since Bruce Grobbelaar in 1985.
– Against the Citizens, manager Thomas Tuchel would be counting on the Senegal international to halt the attacking forays of Pep Guardiola’s men.
– Mendy was signed from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in a £22m ($31m) deal as the six-time English top-flight kings sought to find greater stability between the sticks as costly errors had crept into Kepa Arrizabalaga’s game.
– He has since proven to be one of the bargain signings, making crucial saves for the Londoners who finished fourth in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
– The Blues goalkeeper was a doubt for the big showdown following his knock against Aston Villa.
– The towering goalie suffered the injury seemingly trying to keep out Villa’s opening goal, which was scored by Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore in first-half stoppage time.
– “I don’t think Riyad needs any introduction, he is one of the best African players and he has played at a very high level for several years,” Mendy told BBC Sport.
– “He’s also had a complicated journey and he really didn’t give up and he deserves everything that is happening to him.
– “He will be one of his side’s biggest threats – one of Manchester City’s assets.”
– “This team [Manchester City] deserved this year’s league title, they were very good and very consistent throughout the year,” he continued.
– “They deserve their title and there’s no arguing about that but now we are playing a final and it’s different. We’ll play for at least 90 minutes. And we will do everything to get this title.”
