Pep Guardiola has spoken about how during his playing career, he wanted to sign for Newcastle United, as per The Mirror.
Guardiola wanted to sign for Bobby Robson, who managed Guardiola during his one season in Catalonia at FC Barcelona.
When Bobby Robson became manager of the club he supported as a child, Guardiola asked to sign for him and play under him again at St James’ Park.
But ultimately, Robson turned his former player down and Guardiola never played in England, with his first role in the Premier League being his current job at Manchester City.
Following Robson turning down Guardiola, his midfield consisted of Kieron Dyer, Gary Speed, Noberto Solano and Rob Lee.
In a film being made about the life of Robson, Guardiola said (via The Mirror):
After the purge in Barcelona, he went to Newcastle and I sent him a letter to offer me the chance to go to him and play at Newcastle. One of my dreams would have been to have played in England.
He answered me and said it was not possible because he had a lot of quality and he was right, but, even in that tough moment, he was always so kind.
He wrote a simple letter and it was like it meant so much more. Bobby is one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life.
