Stunning comments from Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa that incoming Manchester city boss Pep Guardiola cannot sign any players from his former club.
The new Man City boss arrives at the Etihad having won three successive Bundesliga titles with Bayern, according to Costa, has a clause in his contract forbidding him from buying players from the German side.
Costa told Globo Esporte in his native Brazil:
“Would I be open to City if Pep called? It’s something he has in his contract, a clause that says he cannot sign any players from Bayern.
“I’m in a situation where I could stay at Bayern for a long time. The club’s philosophy is to keep players at Bayern for a long time. I’m happy at the prospect of enjoying a long career here.”
Guardiola signed Costa from Shakhtar Donetsk last year and the Brazilian had nothing but praise for his former manager:
“You cannot compare Pep to any Brazilian coach,” he said.
“If you put all Brazilian coaches together, you would get Pep. One has motivational skills, another is tactically strong. But Pep has it all.
“Pep has the magic touch. He breathes football. He still played himself quite recently. Pep always keeps inventing new things.
“He is magic. I hope he can win the Champions League with City.”
Costa’s remarks will end the stories linking both Manuel Neuer and Thiago with a move from Bayern to City.