MADRID, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz Gallardon, expressed his confidence Thursday that the Spanish capital would be chosen to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

    Gallardon chose the day, exactly one year before the 2016 host city will be announced, to make his statement at an informal meeting to discuss the progress of the Madrid 2016 bid.

    "We are going to show the world a city that is modern, prepared and enthusiastic," said Gallardon in a speech reported on the website of the Madrid local authority.

    "Now we need the citizens to be united behind the bid. It should not be hard because all of the world knows Madrid as a city that is hospitable, open and close -- a place that gives confidence and which earns it."

    "On Oct. 2, 2009, I am certain that (International Olympic Committee President) Jacques Rogge is going to announce the name of Madrid as the host city of the Games. That will be the end of our journey," he said.

    Madrid was beaten by London in its bid to host the 2012 Olympics.