Asked at his pre-Fulham press conference on Friday, the City boss expressed his admiration of his team captain, listing his attributes as both a player and a person
“He is so important,” said Guardiola.
“He’s so important as a player. His humanity, leading silently but when he talks, everyone listens, this is so important.
“A football player defined perfectly – he can play attacking midfielder and is so intelligent in the movements and every movement he has to do he is in the right position.
“He can play a holding midfielder, too.
“He is one of the most exceptional players in all senses… incredible.”
The boss then joked, “I love him. I adore him. I’m married, but I love him!”
Watch Pep Guardiola‘s press conference part 2 by playing the video above.
Follow Fulham v City on the official app
They lost their most recent match 1-0 to Aston Villa, having struggled to find consistent form without their key talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic who is still unavailable for this weekend’s match through suspension.
You can follow it all on the app with live updates starting at 12:00 (UK) on our Matchday Centre and that will run until the game’s completion. It will also provide you with all the post-match reaction.
Our Matchday Live programme will begin around 12:40 (UK). This weekend’s presenter Natalie Pike will welcome Nedum Onuoha, Joleon Lescott and Izzy Christiansen to the studio.
The guests will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live.
To get in touch, send a Whatsapp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues.
We’ll have post-match reaction from Guardiola and his players available shortly after the final whistle.
Match highlights will be available from midnight (UK) on Sunday night and you can watch a Full Match Replay on CITY+ and Recast from the same time.
