Manchester United legend Andy Cole has revealed how Stuart Pearce rejected the chance to sign Pep Guardiola for Manchester City.
Cole says Pearce snubbed the defensive midfielder after he travelled to Manchester for a trial in 2005.
Guardiola, then 34, had left Barcelona after 17 years with the La Liga giants and became available after spells with Brescia, Roma and Al-Alhi in Qatar.
Cole said: "I always remember when I was at Manchester City and Guardiola came for a trial and Stuart Pearce said, 'not the kind of player I'm looking for'. Look at him now."