The former City forward played 339 games for the Club, scoring 131 goals, and winning 11 trophies over a seven-year period.
At his Friday press briefing, Guardiola was asked whether he felt Sterling – who has been warmly welcomed by City fans on his previous two returns to the Etihad - had contributed to City’s many successes and how he viewed the England star’s stay before his move to Chelsea.
“Unbelievable,” said Pep. “He was there, especially in the first season, we could not think about what he would achieve with us.
“He was an incredibly important player with us. His contribution was massive. His speed, his movements, he was a great player.”
CITY V CHELSEA | MATCH PREVIEW
Guardiola also expanded on Jack Grealish’s injury in midweek, adding: “He has a muscular issue, but I don’t know how big the damage is.
“When we arrived the day after we could not do [a scan] because the machine was broken. I was so concerned with Chelsea, I did not ask him [how he was].”
Grealish was helped from the pitch against FC Copenhagen with 21 minutes played but looked keen to return to the action shortly after.
However the boss says it was the right thing to substitute the player instead.
“He wanted to play,” said Pep. “I said if you feel something, the damage will be bigger. It makes no sense.
“With muscular, you have to run, and it makes no sense. We took the right decision.”
Watch the second part of the press conference in the video above...
