Legendary figure at Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, has disclosed the content of a text message he received from Pep Guardiola just hours before Manchester City’s crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid.
The two teams clashed in a thrilling semi-final encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Spain, both teams had everything to fight for in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
The Citizens, who are looking to win the competition for the first time in their history, were the eventual winners of the fixture.
Sky Sports reports that Bernardo Silva was the man of the moment for City, as he netted a first-half brace before Akanji and Julian Alvarez also got their names on the scoresheet to help the hosts beat Real 4-0.
Pep’s message to Rio
It has now emerged that Guardiola was very much aware that his charges would demolish the La Liga giants during their meeting.
According to Rio, the Man City boss texted him moments before the clash and told him his side would emerge victors.
“Pep Guardiola texted me before the game and said, ‘We beat them two years ago, and we will beat them again, believe me’,” Sportbible quoted Ferdinand saying.
Rio’s revelation came moments after a video emerged of Guardiola approaching the legendary defender after the match and pointing, seemingly, in an attempt to show that he was proven right.
Pep clashes with De Bruyne
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola clashed midway through the second half of Man City’s clash against Real Madrid.
The incident happened after the Belgian playmaker lost possession to Eder Millitao before turning to his manager, shouting in anger.
While it remains unclear what sparked the spat, it is believed De Bruyne was dissatisfied with the instructions shouted at him by Pep.