The skipper was again outstanding in the 2-1 win over the Gunners, with one sprint against Kai Havertz that ended with a desperate but successful clearance towards the end of a pulsating clash the highlight of another true captain’s performance.
It was announced on Thursday that the Portuguese will leave City at the end of the current campaign, and the boss was asked what was his feeling towards our No.20 after today’s display.
“Gratitude. If I talk a lot I will cry,” said Pep.
“[I’d like to say] thank you so much on behalf of this club for what you have done. He proves that football starts here [the mind] to the feet.
“That guy is not the fastest, but he knows exactly in every single moment what is required.
“Always he is committed and never injured. Last season defined him, when others were not there always he was there suffering like the first.
“His mentality is important. Always he sees the positive things in life. When you have life in that spirit. He deserves the biggest recognition.
“When you write legend, you have to write it in capital letters. Not just today, every single game in nine years.
“No chance that these years together would have been so special without him. A special player. Wherever he will go, the team will be so lucky to have him”
Guardiola also paid tribute to Erling Haaland, who endured a bruising physical battle with the Arsenal defence - and Gabriel in particular.
“I would not like to be Erling Haaland to battle Saliba or Gabriel,” he smiled.
“I would prefer to read a book. Deal with that, but he handled it. It’s the best two teams in England and I think it was a good advert for football in England.
“I would be satisfied with a draw or defeat. I am an age that when I see what I saw, what can I say? I cannot complain and I am so proud because they are top.”
And of the individual brilliance of Rayan Cherki, whose sublime opening goal set the Blues on their way, Pep added: “Really good. In the second half we could not find him.
“It’s not easy because they are so close. It was a good moment and then in the second half we started really well.
“I’m not the type of guy to say if we didn’t score that we didn’t have personality.
“Personality has always been there except last season. Sometimes win, sometimes not.
“Madrid three times arrive in first half and score three goals. Sometimes that happens but now we are alive.”
Be at City’s FA Cup semi-final!
Pep Guardiola’s brilliant Blues are on the hunt for yet more silverware under Wembley’s famous arch.
We return to the national stadium on Saturday 25 April in a 17:15 (UK) kick-off for our FA Cup semi-final with Southampton.
And Members can be there with prices starting from £30 for adults and £20 for U18s and over 65s.
As we’ve seen with other recent Wembley visits, it’s an occasion not to be missed!
