Owen Hargreaves is well aware that he needs to get himself match fit before playing any part for the Manchester City first team.
The 30-year old former Manchester United midfielder was picked up for free by City in a shock deal yesterday but is under no illusions that he is about to walk straight into Roberto Mancini's line-up.
Having made just two appearances in two years, Hargreaves knows that he will have to be patient but did indicate that perhaps a return against another former club, Bayern Munich, in the Champions League could be on the cards.
"It's important that you get back into a rhythm of playing football, and I haven't done that for a while," he told the club's official website.
"There's tons of games to come this season in various competitions.
"I've never not played in the Champions League. It's pretty much been standard for me every season.
"Bayern is a wonderful club - I had a great time there and won the Champions League.
"They are going to be tough opposition and it will be an exciting game for the club."