sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Pep Guardiola Reveals WhatsApp Rejection From Former Spain Teammates

Pep Guardiola Reveals WhatsApp Rejection From Former Spain Teammates

His support for Catalonia has a cost.

Max Miller

Max Miller

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed one of the costs of his support for Catalonian independence.

In documentary, 'Play it again, Pep", the coach spoke about his differing opinion to others in the Spain national team, especially those at the Barcelona 1992 Olympics.

In the programme, Guardiola actually learned that players from that group now have a WhatsApp group where they keep in touch, and reacted by saying: "In Barcelona 92 we formed an incredible group that I know meets on WhatsApp but since I've never had... Canizares, I'm sorry, but you haven't invited me, it's not that I don't want to be there, I've found out now."

In particular, goalkeeper Santiago Canizares seems to have a problem with Guardiola's political views, and told Marca so earlier this year.

"I feel very bad when he speaks badly of Spain," Canizares said. "I do not know when his brain mutated. Neither his nor that of a large part of the society that makes us face each other.

"I remember that in 92, Guardiola spoke to us about politics in a very moderate way. We could even joke with affection. He was delighted by all the (Spain) call-ups. Once we ended up crying after losing.

"My experience with him is that. Politics were discussed with pleasure, nothing to do with the history that there is now, whether Guardiola is involved or not. Now everything is disgusting, we no longer tolerate each other. I have lost contact with him."

Is kicking Guardiola out of the WhatsApp group a bit harsh? Possibly, especially as it's highly unlikely to have an effect on the 49-year-old's views.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Football, Catalonia, Pep Guardiola