Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was delighted to meet Valencia star Santiago Canizares during Saturday's friendly at Eastlands.

He told City's website: "It was brilliant to play against a side like Valencia, for some reason I've always been a Valencia fan since I was five, and now I've played against my absolute idol in Santiago Canizares.

"It was a brilliant feeling to play, but result-wise I'm very disappointed. It's a horrible feeling to lose at any time, especially in front of our own fans. I thought we played well, hit the bar twice, created a few openings and they did not have that many chances."

Valencia swapped keepers at the break, but Kasper was delighted that his idol took the time to speak to him and give him a memento of the day.

"He waited for me in the tunnel at half time and gave me his shirt, which was nice of him. We had a quick chat afterwards, he's a top man, a real benchmark for goalkeepers."