Guardiola confesses to Bernardo Silva in midcourt at Barcelona but 'wants him to stay'

Pep Guardiola has made a telling admission amid Barcelona's courting of Bernardo Silva at Camp Nou following Manchester City's 3-3 draw with the Catalans.

The midweek friendly between the European giants was organized to raise funds for ALS (amyotropic lateral sclerosis) research, in support of former Barcelona goalkeeper and manager Juan Carlos Unzue, who was diagnosed with the incurable degenerative disease two years ago.

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Riyad Mahrez's added-time equalizer followed goals from Julian Alvarez, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Frenkie de Jong, Cole Palmer and Memphis Depay as they played out a 3-3 draw.

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"I would like to thank Barcelona and Manchester City for their commitment and sensitivity to our cause," Unzue said. “I also want to thank everyone who purchased a ticket and everyone who donated through the Row Zero initiative. I want you to know that everyone on the ALS team – here on the pitch with me – want to continue living and enjoying life."

After the final whistle, the two managers sat down for a joint press conference, with one of the predictable questions about Bernardo Silva, who has been linked with a move from City to Barcelona this summer.

The Spanish side were hoping to secure his signature for €80m (£63m) but City 'won't budge a millimeter' on their €100m (£84m) valuation sterling).

The Portugal international has been a key part of Guardiola's squad in recent years, winning four Premier League titles in the process, and the City manager has always said he doesn't want to lose the leader. game - a point he reiterated on Wednesday Night.

"I'm no one to tell Barca to forget (sign) Bernardo," Guardiola said.

"We want him to stay with us, but I don't want anyone who isn't happy. The first thing would be for the clubs to agree, but there hasn't been an offer for him the past two years."

But the Spaniard then conceded that 'Bernardo really likes Barcelona', suggesting he is not entirely happy with his current situation.

"I don't want him to leave, he's a superlative player and a great person... and there are only seven or eight days left (in the window) and we would have to look to the transfer market . I want him to stay. That said, it's true that Bernardo really likes Barcelona."

Barcelona manager Xavi, who sat next to Guardiola at the press conference, said any decision would 'be up to City'.