PEP GUARDIOLA has revealed what was said when he and Zinedine Zidane spoke privately after their Champions League meeting.
The bosses – who between them have won the Champions League five times as managers – were spotted talking alone on the Etihad touchline after Man City dumped Real Madrid out of Europe.
Guardiola was gesticulating while sat on an ice box, looking up at Zidane who cut a relaxed figure with his hands in his pockets.
There was immediately huge intrigue as to what was said, particularly with Guardiola’s history with Real Madrid’s great rivals Barcelona.
And now the Man City chief has revealed all.
Guardiola said: “I congratulated him for LaLiga.
“I always said to win the league is the most difficult title because it shows 11 months being there.
“We spoke about our families and I wished him all the best. He was one of my idols when I was a player.
“I played against him in the national team with France and I suffered a lot.
“He was one of the greatest and as a human being he is an example and I like how he can represent our profession like he does.”
The post-match talk took place after Man City deservedly beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Etihad to advance ot the quarter-finals of the Champions League 4-2 on aggregate.
Incredibly, it was the first time Zidane had been knocked out of the competition as a manager, having won the tournament in his three previous campaigns as Real Madrid manager.
For Guardiola, the victory means he remains on track to deliver Man City’s first ever Champions League triumph.
Personally, the Spaniard is seeking his third European Cup after winning it twice during his time at Barcelona.
Next up is a quarter-final on Saturday with Lyon who stunned Juventus in the last round.
Manchester City arrive in Lisbon for Champions League quarter finals without Sergio Agüero as striker looks set to miss competition
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
