Pep Guardiola, who was linked with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Sergio Busquets in the latest transfer window, has now revealed which FC Barcelona star he wanted to sign.
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The Spaniard, who won 14 trophies with the Catalan giants between 2008 and 2012, will return to his former club in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Guardiola took over City ahead of this season, and many of the Blaugrana's players were linked with a move to England, but Guardiola insisted he only attempted to sign goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
"I knew that Ter Stegen wanted to play all the time and I got in touch with him," the City boss said, as quoted by ESPN.
"We needed a keeper like Claudio (Bravo) or Ter Stegen – we got Claudio and Ter Stegen stayed.
"I didn't call any players on the phone, there are those rumours that are lost before they've even started.
"This summer I never called Messi, Neymar, Busquets, Suarez or anybody.
"If ever I have called a Barca player, it is because he doesn't get playing time. And look, if I did, I would be well within my rights because Barca calls City players."
The Citizens began their Champions League campaign with a win and a draw, but are winless in their past three matches in all competitions.
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Guardiola's men will have a chance to get back to winning ways when they travel to the Camp Nou on Wednesday, but the tactician's last visit to his old club ended with a 3-0 defeat for his Bayern Munich side.
Do you think Guardiola's City can cause an upset against his old club? Have your say in the comments section below.
