Pep Guardiola catching strays! Man City defender Sergio Gomez claims he prefers playing for Spain over Premier League and Champions League triumphs at club level

The Spanish left-back was a part of Manchester City's treble-winning campaign in the 2022/23 season and had also featured for the Spain U21 side. Despite winning almost every major trophy with the Premier League giants, Gomez claimed that he enjoyed spending time with the Spanish youth team more than playing under Pep Guardiola's Cityzens.

Speaking to Relevo, the Spaniard said, "I have won a Premier League and a Champions League, but my greatest joys have come from the National Team. They are more than teammates, I play with friends there and it shows on the pitch.

"The goal last year was the U21 European Championship, this year there are the [Olympic] Games. It would be a very nice thing. We have created a family in that generation. Because of the age issue, we don’t know what will happen because only three people over 23 can go… I am willing to go, I hope I can."

The 23-year-old joined the Premier League champions last season from Anderlecht and in his debut campaign, he featured in 23 matches across all competitions where he assisted just once. Compared to that, he featured 19 times for the Spain U21 team where he predominantly plays as a winger and has scored 10 goals and provided nine assists.

In the ongoing season, he has appeared in only six games for the Manchester club and has contributed with one assists.

With the club's knockout berth already confirmed, Guardiola could include the former Borussia Dortmund player in his matchday squad that will face Red Star Belgrade in their final Champions League group stage match on Wednesday.