Julian Alvarez has revealed that Pep Guardiola predicted the victory of Argentina 2022 shortly after the striker arrived at Manchester City.
Argentina took the trophy in Qatar and defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final.
Alvarez had become a member of the city team less than six months earlier, after a relocation of River Plate.
The 25-year-old has reminded a training groundchat, with Guardiola with confidence Argentina called the name the winners of the tournament-a prediction that turned out to be perfect.
“Yes, I remember it, it was during my first days after arrival and the boys were there,” said the striker.
'The Portuguese players such as Bernardo (Silva), Ruben Dias, (Joao) Annalo, Niererson was also there, Rodri. They were all talking and I had just arrived, so I said nothing.
'I am a pretty quiet person, and because I had just arrived there, they talked about which national team was strong and so on.
“And they say,” Do you know that who doesn't say something will be champion? ” And he pointed to me. '
Alvarez spent two years in Manchester City and played a crucial role in their triple season 2022-23.
He made a move of £ 81 million to Atletico Madrid last summer and flourished in his first season in Spain, scored 29 goals in 54 performances for Diego Simeone's side.
Guardiola said last August that he regretted that he had Alvarez leave.
He said: 'I'm happy with the team. We did not expect Julian to leave, although he had conversations with other clubs and his agent a long time ago, so it could happen and eventually it happened.
'We have seen what we have, if we have many, many injuries, it will be a problem, but Oscar Bobb will come back in a few months [from injury] and Phil [Foden] is in that position, McATee can play in that position, Gundogan can play in that position, Bernardo …
'They are of course different players to Erling. Maybe it's a mistake [letting Alvarez leave]I don't know, but I don't like to leave players without playing long. When everyone is involved in the chance to play the performance of the teams, it is always better.
'I know the group and how serious and professional they are and their dedication in every game. We are pretty sure that it is better to wait, “he added.