Pep Guardiola aimed a sly dig at Romelu Lukaku in a staunch defence of Xavi, who has been subject to criticism after Manchester City won the Champions League.

The 29-year-old striker didn’t exactly cover himself in glory in Istanbul, denying Inter Milan from a late equaliser – not once, but twice.

Speaking to Spanish media, as quoted by Reshad Rahman, Guardiola said: “Give Xavi a little time, it took us 8 years to win the UCL. I’m European champion because a striker missed a clear header from 3 yards away.

“Xavi knows it better than I do – when you win La Liga, you’ve been the best team. He played group-stages with his defenders injured and now the defence is his team’s strength.”