Celebrating Manchester City’s success of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the bronze artwork of the men on a single plinth captures three of the most popular players in the club’s history.
The bronze statue is positioned on the west side of the stadium, in proximity to the Colin Bell Stand in a newly-landscaped garden area and the manager believes it’s in the ‘perfect spot’.
He wanted to use the impressive installation as inspiration ahead of the Leipzig game, which we won 3-2 after a brilliant comeback.
“I like it. I encouraged the club to drop us off on the bus there and we can walk,” the manager revealed.
“Another gesture for the three important players. Everyone knows here better than me, the people who were here for a long time, what it means - Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee.
“It’s nice right in front of the main entrance. Congratulations to the club for the idea because absolutely they deserve it.
“They are in the perfect spot, right next to the main entrance.
“Unfortunately Colin Bell and Francis Lee were not able to enjoy it, but Mike was there.
“It is a marvellous gesture from the club - clubs are built on the past, what has been done in the past, these people brought us to where we are.”
Guardiola also paid tribute to Erling Haaland, who this evening became the fastest player to reach 40 Champions League goals.
The striker reached that landmark with City’s opener in the victory over Leipzig tonight.
It’s taken him 35 games, better than Ruud van Nistelrooy (45 games), Kylian Mbappe (59 games), Lionel Messi (61 games) and Robert Lewandowski (61 games).
The boss was ‘really impressed’ on hearing the latest record-breaking feat from the star striker.
“Again? I have to tell you again? A thousand million times, I’m really impressed,” added Guardiola.
“Since day one until today. Another record, congratulations.
“He’s a fantastic player. I told you many times, we are really pleased.
“He helped us with a good goal. In the first half always even if he misses, he’s there.
“Two or three times after scoring goals, going backwards, he regained the ball.
“We love him. Not just the goals he scored but for many things.”
