Pep Guardiola has explained his conversation with Newcastle star Sandro Tonali after Manchester City cruised through to next month's Carabao Cup final.
The Man City boss was seen speaking to Tonali in the aftermath of Man City's 5-1 aggregate victory, after winning the second leg 3-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Tonali was seen placing his arm around the Man City boss as the midfielder started to walk towards Newcastle's travelling fans to thank them for their support.
Guardiola's conversation with Tonali came with intrigue, following a report on deadline day that the Italian midfielder's agent had offered him to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Giuseppe Riso, the agent most associated with Tonali, denied there had been contact with the Gunners.
‘Newcastle were never going to let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing to it,' Riso said.
He added: ‘We will see around March about Sandro’s valuation, but only if Newcastle decide to open doors.'
Man City would be among a small pool of clubs who could potentially afford the 26-year-old Italian, who joined Newcastle for £52million from AC Milan in 2023.
Guardiola claimed his conversation with Tonali post-match had been about a close friend the pair share, the Italian's father, as well as his happiness at Newcastle.
'What did I say [to Sandro Tonali]?' Guardiola said post-match.
'My Italian is perfect, so that's why I can communicate with him. And we have an incredible friend in common from Brescia, Edoardo Piovani.
'And every time we are connected, I know his father some time ago and all the time we met we talked about his experience in Milan, the supporters, and how happy he is in Newcastle.
'He's a really, really top player, top, top, top player!'
Guardiola has become known for speaking to players from opposing teams after matches.
Tonali was not the only player Guardiola addressed following the Carabao Cup tie, with the Man City boss also spotted in conversation with Newcastle defender Dan Burn.
Zizdklsuz
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Ksm_city
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Tonali is a sensational player. I’ve always admired him from his days at Milan.
Feilds
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trying to hijack the deal,Guimareas is the beast in Newcastle's midfield,even though Tonali can come in and make Arsenal a different team,
I really hope my team can get Guimareas really , love that guy.
CityFan37
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only when the match was is in his favour, otherwise pep will not do that
you don't know pep. search
Jieaemoty
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United will go Meite from Wolves...
Susadkorsz
0
If wilox did say the team is good enough to play more attacking football… then he is also not the right person for the job ten hag played the same formation what did he gain…sell all the deadwood and buy really talented players not in form players na me first scout tonali
Fudcdlnptu
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only when the match was is in his favour, otherwise pep will not do that
Zamacinr
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n
yambcklrsu
3
Very good player Tonali
ziydilort
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last time he communicated with me about my father..hmmmmmm
Stillogh
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trying to hijack the deal,Guimareas is the beast in Newcastle's midfield,even though Tonali can come in and make Arsenal a different team,
Both are top tier
biebcdmrs
1
Thats legends mentality you fools,didnt Arteta met him before or not or he never talked to Tonali...
Maubcptuyz
1
Pep kkkkk,here is your best coach niggas!🙄
Richard0010
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trying to hijack the deal,Guimareas is the beast in Newcastle's midfield,even though Tonali can come in and make Arsenal a different team,
Bro tonali is beast too
ArchangelRaphael
2
Manchester united should sign this guy
ColinsGooner
1
trying to hijack the deal,Guimareas is the beast in Newcastle's midfield,even though Tonali can come in and make Arsenal a different team,