Arrigo Sacchi: Pep Guardiola planned star sales at Barcelona

Legendary former Milan Coach Arrigo Sacchi has described how Pep Guardiola planned to sell a series of stars upon his Barcelona appointment in 2008.

The Italian claimed Guardiola, who was promoted from Barcelona B in 2008, wanted to sell Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, Thierry Henry and Deco.

The former Barca player decided to promote youth team players such as Sergio Busquets and Pedro, while Eto’o and Henry stayed and enjoyed a great impact in terms of goal output for the Blaugrana.

“Guardiola has had the same luck when he was promoted from the third division to the first team [at Barcelona],” Sacchi told reporters.

“He said to the president that he did not want four players. The most famous players, maybe the best. Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Henry and Deco.

“The president replied: 'Who would you like to sign?' And Pep said: 'No-one. We can promote some young players from the third division.' Tercera is like the third division. He promoted Busquets and Pedro. The president said to keep at least one and he kept Eto'o. He won La Liga.”

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