Shay Given says qualification for the Champions League would be a game-changer for Manchester City.
The Irish goalkeeper is out of for the season due to injury.
"It would be a huge statement to other European clubs," Given told The National.
"It would show we are going to be around for a long time and that we are going to be the team to watch over the coming years.
"The club would be able to attract more players in the summer and keep some of the ones we already have happy.
"Everyone wants to play in the Champions League. It would have been fantasy stuff to the fans a few years ago to think City might have teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid at Eastlands. Now there is a realistic chance of it happening."
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