Twelve years on from the last European title – and having been beaten in two of the past three finals – FC Bayern München, says Franck Ribéry, "hope this year will be our year".

UEFA Champions League final referee Nicola Rizzoli told UEFA.com he feels "very proud" to be given Saturday's Wembley assignment, saying: "Finals are always special matches."

Women's final ambassador Faye White and former Germany defender Steffi Jones passed on their knowledge to aspiring players on day one of the UEFA Champions Festival.

"We are keen to do whatever we can to fight the scourges of our sport," said UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino after today's UEFA Executive Committee decisions.

Jürgen Klopp told UEFA.com the way his Borussia Dortmund side played in the group stage was "surprising" and gave him belief they could achieve something special this season.

Even FC Bayern München coach Jupp Heynckes, 68 and with three decades of coaching experience behind him, feels this has been an "extraordinary season" that could yet end in a treble.

The UEFA Champions Festival – a free four-day football celebration – opens its doors to the public on Thursday at the The International Quarter, close to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.

We visit London's Trafalgar Square to find out how the UEFA Champions League final week began with some freestyle skills on show.

"An extraordinary player" according to Jürgen Klopp, Borussia Dortmund midfielder İlkay Gündoğan promises to work "even harder" to continue his rise to the top.

UEFA.com hears from Oliver Kahn – the man who helped FC Bayern München to their most recent UEFA Champions League triumph, in 2001 – ahead of Saturday's Wembley showpiece.

Much loved at Borussia Dortmund after scoring a memorable goal 20 seconds after coming off the bench in the 1997 UEFA Champions League final, Lars Ricken recalls that momentous night.

With FC Bayern München building towards another final, UEFA.com spoke to Franz Beckenbauer, captain when the Bavarians won the first of three straight European Cups in the 1970s.

Sir Alex Ferguson changed the football landscape in England and beyond. Here, in a series of interviews with UEFA.com, he discusses his philosophy, motivation and achievements.

Dani Alves was magnanimous in defeat after FC Barcelona’s 7-0 aggregate loss to FC Bayern Munchen, telling UEFA.com that his side were beaten by a ‘superior’ team.

Daniel Van Buyten told UEFA.com that reaching the UEFA Champions League final is a ‘dream come true’, while Javi Martínez added that FC Bayern München now want to win the competition after their 7-0 aggregate victory over FC Barcelona.

Sergio Ramos told UEFA.com that Real Madrid “gave their soul” to their attempted fightback against Dortmund with Cristiano Ronaldo thanking the fans for their support.

Mats Hummels told UEFA.com how “everything went almost perfectly” since the group stage draw for Dortmund for whom first leg hero Robert Lewandowski admitted there were some late nerves in Madrid.

Despite being disappointed with their 4-1 first leg defeat at Borussia Dortmund, Pepe and Sergio Ramos told UEFA.com that they still believe that Real Madrid CF can progress to the final.

‘Almost perfect’ was how Robert Lewandowski described his four-goal display against Real Madrid CF, while his Borussia Dortmund team-mate Mats Hummels told UEFA.com that his side can’t dream of Wembley just yet.

Xavi Hernández told UEFA.com that FC Barcelona were beaten by a better team in Munich, with Daniel Alves adding that they’ll be “giving it everything” to turn around the 4-0 first leg defeat.

After scoring twice and setting up another, Thomas Müller hailed a “great” FC Bayern München performance against FC Barcelona, whilst Philipp Lahm was impressed with the nous of his team in the 4-0 first leg success.

"It will be in my memory forever," defender Felipe Santana said of his Borussia Dortmund winner versus Málaga CF. Now he will continue to live his "dream" when Real Madrid CF visit.

Ahead of Real Madrid CF's semi-final first leg in Dortmund, Raphaël Varane gave UEFA.com a masterclass in defending and recalled Zinédine Zidane's volley in the 2002 final.

The UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women's Champions League trophies have been handed over to London ahead of next month's finals at Wembley and Stamford Bridge.

"It's about doing something extra, not just winning," is Xavi Hernández's take on FC Barcelona's philosophy, though he remains intent on reaching Wembley once again.

The best of Spain face the best of Germany in the semi-finals after today's draw paired FC Bayern München with FC Barcelona and pitted Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid CF.

Andrea Barzagli and Antonio Conte gave their thoughts to UEFA.com after Juventus bowed out of the UEFA Champions League 4-0 on aggregate to FC Bayern München.

Mario Mandžukić and Thomas Müller praised the quality and efficiency of FC Bayern München after sealing a 4-0 aggregate success over FC Bayern München.

Barcelona accepted their place in history, becoming the first club ever to make six consecutive UEFA Champions League semi-finals, with a certain degree of contentment – but also relief, as UEFA.com found out from Andrés Iniesta and Pedro Rodríguez.

Late substitute Gregory van der Wiel told UEFA.com there was some pride for Paris Saint-Germain FC despite elimination to FC Barcelona.