Pep Guardiola has described Xabi Alonso as one of the best midfielders he has ever seen after the Bayern Munich player confirmed his impending retirement.
Alonso, 35, will end his career at the conclusion of the season following his announcement on Thursday.
"We were rivals, big rivals when he was at Real Madrid," Guardiola said ahead of City's FA Cup quarter-final match against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
"After that I was so lucky to have him in Munich.
"How the people speak about him - all the managers that he had in his career - is like a human being. One of the best midfielders I've ever seen in my life.
Mr , everyone! March 10, 2017
"He will come back soon as a manager. I bet, wherever he wants, he will become a manager and will be good.
"He understands the game and has curiosity to understand the game. He knew during the weeks what we would have to do to win the next games, to beat them. He already had the curiosity to know.
"I love to work with these kinds of people. Normally that happens with the midfield players - in Barcelona, with Javier Mascherano, Sergio Busquets, here with David Silva and Fernandinho.
"They are involved in what you are doing and why you are doing it. It's marvellous as a manager to have these kind of players."
