'We'll beat them': Ferdinand reveals text Pep sent him before Madrid victory

Rio Ferdinand has revealed Pep Guardiola sent him a text message hours before his side beat Real Madrid which showed just how confident he was that his team would get the job done.

Manchester City went into the Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid as favourites after the 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu and Guardiola clearly agreed with that billing.

City produced a stunning display as they thrashed the holders 4-0 and progressed to their second final.

'He text me, Pep Guardiola text me before the game,' Ferdinand told BT Sport after the full-time whistle.

'He said: 'Believe me, we beat them two years ago. We'll beat them again. Believe.'

'The conviction that he had, the confidence. That was two or three hours before the game. He's sending me a text like that.

'That is pure confidence in the detail he has gone through leading up to this game, and the confidence he has in those players.'

Bernardo Silva bagged a brace in the first half before an own goal from Eder Militao put the tie to bed.

Julian Alvarez came off the bench to add a late fourth as Citymade a clear statement that they are the best team on the planet.

They will now meet Inter Milan in the final as Guardiola looks to capture the one trophy that has eluded him with the club.