Pep Guardiola names Julia Roberts among his three idols… and recalls the time the Hollywood actress broke his heart
PEP GUARDIOLA has named Julia Roberts as one of his three idols… and revealed how the American actress broke his heart.
The Spaniard was in a mischievous mood after his side’s crushing 7-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League last night.
During his post-match press conference, Guardiola claimed that Roberts‘ decision to go to Old Trafford, rather than the Etihad, in 2016 will always nag at him.
He said: “I am a failure in the Champions League. If I win the Champions League three times in a row I will be a failure.
“I have three idols in my life. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Julia Roberts. These are my three idols.
“Julia Roberts years ago came to Manchester – not in the 90s when Sir Alex (Ferguson) was winning titles and titles and titles.
“She came in the period where we were better than United, in these four or five years, right?
“And she went to visit Man United. She didn’t come to see us. That’s why even if I win the Champions League it will not compare for the fact that Julia Roberts came to Manchester and didn’t come to see us.
“Even if I win the Champions League it will not compare to this disappointment I had.”
Roberts, 55, visited the Theatre of Dreams in November 2016, taking in the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with West Ham.
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Diafra Sakho gave the Hammers a 2nd minute lead on the day, cancelled out by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s effort on 21 minutes.
Julia gleefully took to the pitch after the match, and met United stars Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick.
She attended the game with husband Daniel Moder and her three Man United supporting kids.
Guardiola’s other heroes have also snubbed City games for other clubs.
NBA legend Jordan, 60, watched Paris Saint-Germain beat Reims 4-1 in September 2018 – seeing goals by Neymar, Thomas Meunier and a double from ex-Man United star Edinson Cavani.
Woods, meanwhile, watched Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in September 2006, Didier Drogba netting the Blues’ winner.