Nolito has looked back on his time at Manchester City and reflected on how much he enjoyed working with Pep Guardiola.
The Spanish international signed for the Sky Blues during the Catalan boss’ first season in charge of the club.
While Nolito was only for a single season at Manchester City, he told MARCA in an interview that he looks back fondly on his time being coached by Pep Guardiola.
Nolito says he “learned a lot” being coached by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
It’s fair to say that the versatile forward did not set the world alight at the Etihad Stadium.
Starting a mere nine games in the Premier League, it was clear to see that Guardiola fancied other players over him.
Despite this having been the case, Nolito had only good things to say about Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, who was once branded as ‘amazing’ by new-boy Mateo Kovacic.
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“I went to Manchester City rather than returning to FC Barcelona”, he said.
“I had two offers on the table. At that time, I had a family problem and we thought that the best option was to go to City with Guardiola. It is special and different. I have enjoyed and learned a lot from him.”
Being managed by Pep Guardiola is an experience every player should cherish
While Nolito was far from his absolute best under Pep Guardiola, it is not a surprise to hear him discuss the honour of being managed by one of the game’s true greats.
Ultimately, regardless of how the former Sevilla winger’s time went at City, not many players in the history of the sport can say that they played in a Guardiola side.
The two-time treble-winning manager is arguably the greatest coach of all time and for any player to work alongside him must be a footballing education.
Whilst discourse around any sport seems to be focused solely on winning, rubbing shoulders with such legends are experiences worth cherishing.