Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says dumping Joe Hart was among the toughest decisions of his career.

The former England goalkeeper returns to the Etihad for the first time on Saturday as Burnley take on the Premier League champions.

“It was the hardest decision I've had to take as a manager because, in the short time we had together, he was so professional in the way he reacted," he said.

“Normally a player thinks of himself, himself, himself. It's not easy but Joe put himself a little bit in my position and said he understood perfectly. That's why I appreciate a lot his behaviour and that of his agent and his people.

“I know how tough it was for the fans and for the people at the club. He was an incredible keeper and had incredible results here in the club.

“He's part of the history here. There is no doubt how important for this club he was and is. And you will see how the people appreciate what he has done.

“This club helped to build something special with the facilities but after that there is the quality of the players in those 10 years and Joe is part of that, no doubt about it. That's why it was not easy for me to take the decision. I always wished him the best – I said it privately and publicly."