Having enjoyed two consistent displays of attacking flair and potency, something that supporters have rarely seen recently, Jesús Navas has admitted his aspirations of being named in Spain's squad for Euro 2016 is spurring him on to achieve big things under Manuel Pellegrini at Eastlands.
It certainly was an emotional return to the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Tuesday evening - but the pacey Spaniard ensured his focus was in check, and played an instrumental part in Manchester City's comfortable, impressive 3-1 win over the successive Europa League winners.
Navas eager to impress with France in mind
Navas' last appearance for Spain was in March last year, over eighteen months ago in a friendly against Italy, and you can understand his desire to force his way back into Vicente del Bosque's first-team plans on the national scale.
As quoted by Manchester Evening News, Navas said: "I'm always trying to win my place back in the national team, it's something I'm working hard to try and do, but that will only happen if I'm playing well for City."
He continued, saying that he does try his best in every match, but is often overshadowed by the team's overall performances, considering they are "playing very well" and moreso "confident". However, he was also quick to flatten any suggestions that he was unhappy, saying he is "happy to be part of it", and will hope for consistency throughout the rest of the Premier League campaign to impress ahead of the summer tournament in France next year.
Pep rumours intensify
We've been hearing similar reports ever since he announced the decision to leave Barca. But now, it seems as though Pep Guardiola's managerial options are much clearer than you may think. Having enjoyed his tenure at Bayern Munich, his next destination seems set in stone - a move to the Premier League.
However, Bayern understandably want him to stay at the club, and are poised to offer him a new, two-year contract extension on his current deal. The Spaniard, 44, has been in management since 2007 and has won 20 team trophies in this time as well as 19 as an individual boss.
His exciting, excellent tactics are a joy to behold at work, and it's not a surprise that he's attracted interest from all of the top sides in England. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and City have all been linked with him in recent years, but his agent recently revealed he is unsure as to where his future lies.
If he does opt to sign a contract extension, it could tie into Manuel Pellegrini or Arséne Wenger's respective contractual obligations at their sides. Having already rejected a possible switch to Chelsea before making the move to Bavaria, United could still be in the pipeline, as Louis van Gaal is adamant that he'll retire at the end of next season, the 2016/17 campaign.
Time will tell, but this story continues to rumble.
Vieira with a new challenge ahead
Patrick Vieira, formerly manager of City's Elite Development Squad, has penned a three-year contract deal to join MLS side New York City FC - effective from January in 2016.
This news may come as a surprise to plenty of City supporters and the club's youngsters too, as the former Arsenal legend has been linked with plenty of moves to managerial posts within Europe.
However, he has opted to take over the sky Blues' sister club out in America - and has been hailed for doing so.
Brian Marwood, managing director of City Football Services had this to say: "Patrick is a special individual and a rare talent. I have no doubt that he will thrive - all of those who work with him in Manchester wish him all the very best in his new role."