Our brilliant Portuguese star has been a shining light of the team for seven seasons, clocking up 348 games during that time.
His tireless team ethic, mesmeric technique and industry has made him a huge crowd favourite, but following his penalty miss against Real Madrid in midweek, Guardiola revealed Bernardo’s own disappointment at missing had made the past few days tough for him.
“I am so happy for Bernardo,” said Pep.
“Life and football always gives you second chance - and it did.
“I was thinking about changing him and putting Oscar out on the right, but after the goal he was so intelligent to keep the ball, especially defensively and in the final third.
“I could not change him. I knew after 25 minutes, he was so tired, but If I have Bernardo on the pitch, I feel more safe and comfortable for many, many reasons
“They were not easy days for him, but he did it - he gave us the goal to get us to the final.”
Watch the second part of Pep’s post-match press conference by playing the video above.
