Pep Guardiola reveals that he asked Bobby Robson to sign me for Newcastle

16/05/2018 | Categories: Football | Published by: AC

Updated: 20/09/2023

Man City's football manager, Pep Guardiola, shares the amazing “secret” during new documentary tribute to the late former England boss.

Pep Guardiola has revealed that he wanted to play for Newcastle — but was politely turned down by his former Barcelona boss Bobby Robson. Guardiola played under Robson at Barcelona in the late 1990 s.

The Manchester City coach never played for an English club and his first experience of the Premier League was after moving to the Etihad in 2016.

But, in a new movie on Bobby Robson, the Catalan said he had wanted to swap the Nou Camp for St James' Park when the former England boss returned home in 1999, after his sacking in Spain .

Guardiola quoted:

” I am going to explain something secret . ” After the purging in Barcelona, he went to Newcastle and I sent him a letter to offer me the chance to go to him and play at Newcastle. One of my dreams would have been to have played in England . ” He answered me and said it was not possible because he had a lot of quality and he was right, but, even in that tough moment, he was always so kind . ” He wrote a simple letter and it was like it meant so much more. Bobby is one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life .”

In Robson's first match in charge in September 1999, he had a midfield of Kieron Dyer, Gary Speed, Nolberto Solano and Robert Lee, with Temuri Ketsbaia also in the squad .

Guardiola, who transferred to Serie A club Brescia in 2001, said he learned valuable lessons working under Robson during a turbulent season in 1996/97.

” It is not easy to manage Barcelona, especially in that period ,” he said.” I learned, when I find him, how lonely the manager feelings. And, in the bad moments, how always he had a typical smile .

” In my suit, in that situation, it would have been impossible to react how he did. I know, for him, it was a tough period. I learned a lot because, in that period, I thought,' I want to become a director .'

The whole of Tyneside mourned when local hero Robson died at age 76 nine years ago .

Benitez wants WRITTEN guarantees on transfers after being let down over last summer's verbal agreement .

” How he managed that situation was unbelievable. I admired him a lot. It doesn't matter what the media says or everyone pushing- always try to be calm .”

Robson's former assistant at Barca, Jose Mourinho, also reopened his running feud with Cristiano Ronaldo by stating:” Ronaldo Nazario, the best Ronaldo. Ever .”

The Manchester United boss, who worked with the Brazil star for a season at the Nou Camp, added of him:” I never saw the same, I never saw the same .”

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