PEP GUARDIOLA claims he broke his own transfer rules to sign Ilkay Gundogan because he was so keen to have him back at Manchester City.
Gundogan is 34 in October and Guardiola says he has made it a policy not to sign anyone too old.
But he happily binned that rule when he became aware Gundogan wanted to return to City, 14 months after leaving on a free, because Barcelona wanted to get him off their wage bill.
"As a manager, I'm not a big fan of re-signing players with this age," said the City boss.
"But I know him quite well and his mentality is right. He's a huge competitor and with the financial situation at Barcelona, he came back on a free.
"We talked about that and said 'OK, we can do it'. The negotiations between the clubs were none of my business and the salary as well. It happened and we had to try."
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 24, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Mirror UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 24, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Mirror UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
GUNN SHOW
Arteta's men run riot in Portugal to get CL campaign back on track
BLANK CATS
Sunderland held in yet another stalemate for the Baggies
BREATHING CLASSIC FIRE!
Boss Mac says Dragons are rebuilt and ready to go after their new signings have made up for a sad end to the season that had promised so much
MAUL OR NOTHING
Earl feeling the pain after England's tough autumn but is desperate to deliver success in the Six Nations
Their young lives should be driving force for change
Tragedy 'has united community'
Wake up! The river's gone
Hero of Pontypridd floods re-enacts her gloved mercy dash
'Miss' is still a big hit
1950s teacher & pupils meet up every year
Trump's trade war on drugs
President-elect's vows to hit Canada & Mexico with tariffs
Rod the Glasto legend
Rocker confirmed in Legend slot
I back the royals..but some are not as great as others
Wedding guest James praises 'important' family