Silvestre - Europe is priority

United defender targets Champions League glory

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st May 2008

Silvestre Mikael

Silvestre: Back in contention

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Manchester United v Chelsea
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Mikael Silvestre believes European glory is more important to Manchester United than domestic success.

United are set to face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, and having already wrapped up the Premier League title stand on the verge of a memorable double.

However, French defender Silvestre insists that the Red Devils would forfeit their 10th top flight crown if they could guarantee victory in Moscow.

Special

"The Champions League is much more important for me," he said.

"In the league you have 20 teams competing but in the Champions League only two teams reach it, which makes it more special.

"We have had a good run so we expect to be champions in Moscow again."

Motivation

Silvestre, who has struggled with injuries throughout the 2007/08 campaign, is hoping to do have done enough during the end of season run-in to earn himself a spot in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad for the European showdown.

"I had a feeling we would go far in the Champions League and do well in the league," he added.

"That was great motivation for me to do a lot of work in my rehabilitation.

"I feel great and the season is going to be too short for me. But all the injuries are behind me and I feel really happy to be back."

Solid

The versatile defender may find it difficult to break into a defensive unit which conceded just 22 goals in the league this season, but he feels that the understanding built up between the back four will be to United's benefit .

"We have been good at defending this year so that will not be a problem for us," said the Frenchman.

"We just have to do what we normally do and make sure we don't concede a goal.

"We've got what it takes to score goals. We have proved that.

"I'm glad we are playing Chelsea because they are a fine side and I just hope it's going to be a good show for the fans around the world."