Former star Danilo has claimed that he only started playing football ‘the right way’ under .

The Catalan boss has enjoyed a stunning spell at the Etihad since his arrival in 2016. He has led the club to six titles, two FA Cups, the and four League Cups. Danilo, who spent two years playing under Guardiola at Man City, has praised the former and boss for completely changing his view on how the game should be played.

“Pep Guardiola educates his players,” Danilo said in an interview with . "That’s the most important thing about his work. He makes all players think about football in the same way.

"Time, space, movement, possession, taking care of the ball. He makes you understand the spaces on the pitch like no other coach and he lives the game emotionally like no other coach. I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university. What I experienced with him allowed me to raise my level and keep that level to this day.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"It’s not that I was an idiot before I arrived at Manchester City but I realised that I played football in completely the wrong way. If I had met him before, he would have made my life a lot easier. I’m so glad I was able to play under him and was able to learn from him.”

Danilo made 60 appearances for City after being signed from , winning the league in both of his seasons before a move to , who he only left in January. And while he is a big fan of Guardiola, not everyone agrees.

Ex-England boss recently criticised him for ‘damaging’ football. : "Do you know what I don't like about Guardiola? His arrogance.

Who is the Premier League's best-ever manager?

“The Champions League he won with City was the only one in which he didn't try anything strange in the decisive games. But every other year, in Manchester and Munich, on the key days, he always wanted to be the protagonist.

"He changed things and made up things so he could say: 'The players don't win, I win'. And that arrogance has cost him several Champions Leagues. I respect him, but I see that clearly. Also, although it is no longer his fault, he has done tremendous damage to football.

"Everyone has spent ten years trying to copy him. That has ruined Italian football, which has lost its nature. I said: 'Stop that, you don't have Guardiola's players!'. In addition, the absurd idea that playing well was just that. Touch, touch, touch.”

and receive your daily dose of content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our