Nico O’Reilly’s rapid rise to stardom could reach new heights when Manchester City clash with Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday
Nico O’Reilly’s rapid rise to stardom (Image: Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Nico O’Reilly swapped sofas for the cup final and thinks it couldn’t have been more comfortable.
The Manchester City star’s meteoric rise will aim even higher this weekend as he helps Josep Guardiola’s side beat Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup.
O’Reilly grew up watching most of City’s countless high-profile appearances at Wembley on his TV at home. But in the blink of an eye, the 20-year-old now finds himself among them, as he looks to help strengthen the legacy left by Josep Guardiola in Manchester’s blue half.
O’Reilly was part of the City side that suffered a shock defeat to Crystal Palace in last season’s FA Cup final. And he admits another chance to make amends and win his first major trophy is motivating him heading into Sunday’s showdown.
O’Reilly said: “I’m really looking forward to it. Wembley is obviously a special place. I’ve played there a few times but never won the FA Cup.” So it would be nice to go there and hopefully win.
read more: Josep Guardiola confirms Carabao Cup final selection two days before matchread more: Micah Richards confidently predicts Arsenal: “He’s definitely going to hit it!”
“It’s going to be very special. It’s a big tournament with all the clubs in England taking part. We’ve faced some difficult opponents to get here so it’s special to be in the final.”
“I grew up watching City all my life, going to games and watching them play in this kind of competition and win the final, and I wanted to be in that position.
“I watched the final on TV, but to be able to come out and participate this time is a great accomplishment. I think I’ll get used to it little by little as the match progresses. I have to accept everything and take it all in.”
“As the game goes on, you get used to it, you get more comfortable, you get more confident, you start to think you’re going to be OK.”
O’Reilly was part of the Man City team that lost to Crystal Palace in last season’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
O’Reilly is now a full-fledged England international and could feature in this summer’s World Cup. But he’s never going to forget his Manchester roots, and he’s got a tattoo to remind him. The number stamped on him, 0161, is the city’s area code.
And O’Reilly said: “That’s where I grew up, Manchester, that area. Yeah, that’s who I am and how I became who I am today. I really enjoyed growing up there.”
“I went out every day with my friends and played soccer. It was a good place to grow up. I still keep in touch with a lot of my friends. We’re still good friends. I talk to them here and there.”
O’Reilly knows defeating Arsenal will be a crucial indicator heading into the final weeks of the season. He admits the pressure is on, but believes this is a position a footballer like him would enjoy being in.
The Man City star, now a full England international, is aiming to qualify for the World Cup.
He added: “It’s an important game. We know how strong they are. Obviously they’re at the top of the league at the moment so we know it’s going to be difficult. They’ve been very good this season but we’re looking forward to a big game.”
“It’s going to be a tough game for them as well. I mean, we’re just going there to win. That’s what this game is about and we’ll see what happens after that. Big game, it’s a great game to come out and be a part of.”
“There’s pressure on everything now, against us, against them, against other teams. We’re in a good situation right now. For me, obviously last season wasn’t in the same situation as it is now, so it’s a first for me, but I’m really enjoying it.”
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