And Manchester City’s fans must accept hard-nosed decisions like the side-lining of goalkeeper Hart if the club are to make progress in the Champions League, manager Guardiola has warned.
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Barcelona says it has signed Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, clearing the way for Claudio Bravo to finalize his move to Manchester City.
Four-times European champions Ajax missed out on the Champions League group stage after losing 4-1 to Rostov as Manchester City and Borussia Moenchengladbach eased through the playoffs on Wednesday.
“I wish to express in these lines what is going through my head now that the time has come to say goodbye to such a grand institution as FC Barcelona, whose colours I have been able to proudly defend for two seasons”, the Chilean wrote in an Instagram post.
‘City are delighted to announce the signing of Claudio Bravo,’ a statement on the club’s website read.
“It is not easy to leave a club like Barcelona where I had two fantastic years, but the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola was too good to refuse”, Bravo said.
“Now I will challenge the other great goalkeepers the Club has and together I hope we can win many trophies”.
The Spaniard added: “He has experience and great leadership qualities and is in the prime of his life”.
Hart, meanwhile, is facing career limbo.
There have been reports that Hart’s reported pound sterling110,000-per-week wages are putting off interested clubs. Everton are determined to maintain this stance until the transfer deadline passes at 11pm on August 31st, so unless City change their position, Hart may have to stay at the club.
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Bravo is set to become number one at City under their ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola, with Willy Caballero as back-up.
