The City defender has no doubt his team-mates will step up to the challenge as they face Inter Milan in Istanbul on Sunday (AEST).

City has already claimed a domestic double after an outstanding late-season charge and is now stand just one win away from becoming European champion for the first time.

Dias said: “We love the pressure, we love it. The pressure will make you run faster, jump higher, be more focused.

“That’s what these kind of games need and we need to embrace it. We enjoy the moment and we know what it means to our club, the fans, our families and we never forget to enjoy it.”

After an inconsistent spell either side of the FIFA World Cup, City hit form in the spring to reel in Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and retain its title.

It then powered through to the UEFA Champions League final with stunning victories over Bayern Munich and holder Real Madrid.

After beating rival Manchester United to win the FA Cup last weekend, momentum seems very much to be with City.

Dias said: “I’ve been saying this for a long time – when we get to February and the decisions come up, that’s the sweet spot.

“You can see the character of a team when you arrive on these stages, you can see whether a team wants to move forward or starts hiding.

“Since that moment we’ve been showing up every time and tomorrow will be no different. It’s another time for all of us to step up to the occasion.”