Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has voiced his admiration for Bayern Munich ahead of Wednesday evening's Champions League encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

Bayern beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in last year's final after making it to the showpiece conclusion in 2010 and 2012 and Nasri is keen to see where City stands against the German and European champion.

"Bayern are defending champions. In the last four years, they’ve played in three finals. That’s extraordinary," Nasri told the official Bundesliga website. "They’re a force to be reckoned with yet again this season. This game is an opportunity for us to see where we’re at.

"Both teams won their first games. Whoever wins this one will certainly have a psychological advantage during the rest of the group campaign. For us it’s about showing that we mean business this season."

The France international then went on to reveal that he was close to joining Bayern during his time at Olympique de Marseille, prior to his switch to Arsenal in 2008.

"Back in 2005-06 when I think Felix Magath was coach. There was concrete contact, but the transfer didn’t come off," he revealed.