“It Was Written In The Stars That We’d Win This Season, And We Did” — Pep Expresses Satisfaction Over UCL Triumph

Pep Guardiola expressed his immense joy as Manchester City secured a memorable treble by clinching the Champions League title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Inter Milan at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium yesterday.

Guardiola believes that the victory was destined, as Rodri’s goal in the 68th minute proved decisive in a fiercely contested final.

Guardiola said: “It was written in the stars that we’d win this season – and we did. I’m feeling tired, calm and satisfied. This f**king trophy is so difficult to win. We knew it would be hard. They are really good. We were anxious in the first half but it was a question of being patient. I told them to be patient.

“You have to be lucky, with Ederson at the end, and this competition is [a toss of] a coin. The momentum came from winning the Premier League and FA Cup and now we have this. It was not our best performance. I have no energy to think of next season and we need a break. We will start from zero and it’s our job. Winning the treble is so difficult.”

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager also thanked City’s hierarchy, saying: “They support me unconditionally in the defeats in this competition. In many clubs, if that would happen you are sacked.”

Of next season, he added: “No, don’t talk, I need a break. My chairman said: ‘Oh, London is next season’s venue [Wembley] of the final,’ so I don’t tell you my answer to him. Now is the time to celebrate. There are teams who win the Champions League and disappear. We have to avoid it. Knowing me it is not going to happen but it is a big relief to have this trophy. Now we don’t get asked about it.”