Guardiola compares De Bruyne to Italian wines

Champions League Latest News Newsnow

ByLorenzo Bettoni

Feb 14, 2024 11:19

Pep Guardiola was so happy with Kevin De Bruyne’s performance against Copenhagen in the Champions League that he compared the Belgian star to Italian wines Brunello di Montalcino and Sassicaia.

De Bruyne scored and assisted in Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Copenhagen in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.

Sky Sport Italia asked Guardiola if the 32-year-old could be compared to a fine Italian wine, and the Spanish tactician replied smiling: “A Brunello di Montalcino or Sassicaia, surely yes. He hadn’t played for five months ,and he was fresh in his legs and in his head when he returned. He gave his contribution. He is special and he proved it again.”

Guardiola is a former Brescia and Roma midfielder who played 28 games in Italy’s top flight, scoring three goals. He made his debut in Italy’s top flight in a 2-2 draw between Brescia and Chievo Verona in October 2001.

Guardiola’s star striker Erling Haaland recently travelled to Italy to buy cashmere products from the country’s most popular manufacturer Brunello Cucinelli.

Manchester City are the defending Champions League winners, having lifted the trophy for the first time in history last season, beating Inter 1-0 in a Final played in Istanbul.