Rio Ferdinand says he received a text from Pep Guardiola which unpacked his faith in his squad just hours before Manchester City thrashed Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.
A double from Bernardo Silva before Manuel Akanji's deflected header and a stoppage-time Julian Alvarez strike saw the Blues cruise past the trophy holders to reach their second European final in three years.
Guardiola has stayed sombre when being frequently asked about his Champions League dream with City but he was an animated figure on the touchline against Real, and passionately celebrated each goal.
