JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola said any club would "tremble" if Real Madrid or Barcelona asked about one of their star players. This was revealed by the coach amid speculation linking Raheem Sterling with Los Blancos.
In an interview with Spanish publication AS on Friday, February 21, City striker Sterling spoke of his admiration for Madrid following rumors of a possible move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The England international is also depicted holding the jersey of City and Madrid, who will meet in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 in midweek.
In a press conference ahead of City's Premier League match with third place Leicester City, Guardiola insisted he had no doubts about Sterling's commitment.
However, he admits all clubs should be worried if Madrid or their La Liga rivals Barcelona call.
"All clubs should know that when Real Madrid or Barcelona knock on the door, the other clubs are shaking, they will be a little bit in trouble," Guardiola told reporters. Launch Soccerway, Saturday.
"Barcelona and Madrid are probably the strongest teams in history and how good they are. That's normal and I fully understand."
But at the same point, continues Pep, Sterling shows his commitment to City every day when he arrives at the training ground and in matches. He never suffered injuries.
Primed and ready! 💪⚽️ @marathonbet 🔵 #LEIMCI #ManCity pic.twitter.com/YsoNw8paTz
- Manchester City (@ManCity) February 21, 2020
"His commitment is in every game, offensive and defensive, so he's one of the best players in the world and it's normal that big clubs see his desire for the team," the former Barcelona coach explained.
"I don't know if Madrid or Barcelona contacted his agent, (but) I have no doubts about the commitment Raheem and the others had from day one to the last."
Guardiola himself is rumored to be leaving City after the club received a two-year sentence in European competition for violating Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
With City in the process of filing an appeal after refuting UEFA's claims, Guardiola was quick to open his voice on his possible departure and reiterated his commitment to City on Friday.
"My happiness. I'm looking for my happiness, that's the only thing I'm looking for," said Guardiola when asked if he would consider keeping his current contract period one year left.
"I work with extraordinary players and I feel like they are following us 100 per cent, knowing how easy it is to work with us and with me, but I am happy."
Pep continued, the only reason when he moved clubs was always because he thought he could be happier than the previous place. But City are different.
"We have a wonderful owner and our relationship is good, so I don't think it will be a problem to understand both sides if we decide to stay three more years," Pep concluded.
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