Pep Guardiola sings praises of record breaker Rico Lewis

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sang praises of Champions League record breaker Rico Lewis after the teenager completed a beautiful first start for City by scoring a brilliant second-half goal during their 3-1 win over Sevilla.

The 17-year-old is the youngest player in Champions League history to score on his first start in the competition, beating the record held by Karim Benzema.

Lewis captained the under-18s to Premier League Northern and national title success last term.


In a statement, Guardiola expressed his delight and reflected on what he called the perfect night, as City wrapped up an impressive Group G campaign in unbeaten fashion.

“He’s so smart. He made a standing ovation all the way down, he played really good. He is so clever, so intelligent,” said Guardiola.

“We see him everyday and we don’t give presents here. Just because he is a City fan from the academy does not mean he is going to play, you have to earn it. He is showing everyday that he can be with us, now it is up to him.”

Guardiola shared that the coaching staff always watches Lewis during the training sessions and have always thought that there is something special about the teenager.

“Defensive he is aggressive enough. He has the margin to improve, but with the ball inside he is so good and outside, we saw that today.”

A thrilled Lewis took to Instagram to share his excitement. He wrote that he will always remember the moment for the rest of his life.

“Words can’t describe the feeling. First start and goal for this amazing club. I won’t forget this day for the rest of my life, can’t thank the fans enough, amazing as usual,” he wrote.

 

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A post shared by Rico Lewis (@rico.lewis)

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