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Pep Guardiola says ‘it’s been a joy to watch’ Cristiano Ronaldo despite ‘unstoppable’ Man Utd ace playing for his rivals

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PEP GUARDIOLA says Manchester City need to find a way to halt the ‘unstoppable goal-scoring machine’ that is Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday.

The Portuguese legend has endured a difficult start to 2022, scoring just once in the calendar year so far.

Ronaldo a ‘joy to watch’ says Guardiola in the build up to Sunday’s Manchester derbyCredit: Rex
The Spanish boss says Ron is ‘almost unstoppable’ despite local rivalryCredit: AFP

But City weighed up the possibility of signing the veteran from Juventus before he returned to Old Trafford in August.

And Guardiola has admitted he is a big admirer, saying: “As a finisher he’s exceptional, I’m not going to disguise it was a joy to watch him these years.

“We have to explode our game, our strength to avoid Cristiano close to the box, because there he is almost unstoppable.

“When you are one of the greatest that he was in terms of being a goalscoring machine, you will always be there.

“He is so strong mentally. He handled pressure without a problem because he lived with expectation through his career and always responded in a positive way.”

While City dominated the derby at Old Trafford in November and ran out 2-0 winners, Ronaldo almost turned the game on its head.

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And Pep says that should serve as a warning to his team as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

He said:  “I remember when we played there and we were winning 1-0  and in control, perfect, perfect, and then the first time arrived he made a chance and Eddy made an incredible save.

“He hadn’t touched the ball but nearly scored. That is the quality and ability that he has.

“We have to control him.

 “He’s been one of the greatest in the last 15 years, alongside Messi. What these two guys have done, we’re not going to see again.

“When you achieve these things, under scrutiny every second of your life and today, even more now with social media.

“As a finisher he’s exceptional, I’m not going to disguise it was a joy to watch him these years.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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