Racing Club forward Benjamin Garré has revealed he received a phone call from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola before completing his move to the Argentine club.
Garré returned to his native Argentina in a €2.25m move back in January after four years at Manchester City, having initially joined their Under 18 side in 2016.
He failed to make a single appearance for City’s first-team but was a regular in their youth ranks, racking up 61 appearances, 14 goals and seven assists for the under 18s, Under 19s and Under 23s over the years.
His move to Racing was largely down to his desire for regular first-team football, which clearly wasn’t on offer at the Etihad.
However, it seems that despite never making the grade to be worthy of a first-team appearance, that did not mean Pep Guardiola wasn’t aware of him.
In fact, the Manchester City boss was quick to pick up the phone to wish the youngster all the best for the future.
“In the last few months in England I had had only a few minutes,” TNT report him saying.
“I had discussed it with Milito and the whole coaching staff. I’m grateful to them because they never rushed me and gave me time to get into shape.
“Guardiola called me when I arrived at Racing to wish me the best.
“I’ve learned a lot from Pep; he’s a top-class coach. I’m very grateful for everything he gave me.”
