Former Barcelona teammates Pep Guardiola and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had an awkward reunion before a pre-season friendly between Manchester City and AC Milan on Saturday night. The pair, who famously clashed during their time together in Spain, were caught on camera shaking hands and briefly chatting, but the interaction was far from warm.
The video of their meeting has gone viral, with many fans drawing parallels to a strained ex-couple meeting for the first time after a painful breakup. The pairâs history is well documented, with Ibrahimovic publicly criticizing Guardiola's tactics and leadership in his 2013 autobiography, "I Am Zlatan." He claimed Guardiola was "spineless" and "didn't have any balls," famously telling him to "go to hell" after a Champions League semi-final defeat against Inter Milan in 2010.
Despite this bitter history, both men appeared to attempt a cordial exchange, although it was clear the past still lingered between them. The video shows Ibrahimovic, now an advisor for Milanâs owners, exchanging a handshake and brief hug with Guardiola before the Spaniard walked away. Ibrahimovic later shared the video on his Instagram account with the caption "Just a friendly game," but the awkwardness was palpable for viewers.
The meeting drew plenty of comments on social media, with many fans pointing out the evident tension between the two. One fan wrote, "Look how Zlatan canât keep eye contact. Heâs the same guy that called Pep a coward, how ironic." Another commented, "Zlatan cannot even look Pep in the eyes after years of slandering him."
The encounter was a reminder of the strained relationship between the two men, who have very different styles of leadership and footballing philosophies. Guardiola, known for his meticulous tactical approach, and Ibrahimovic, renowned for his confidence and outspoken personality, never truly clicked during their time at Barcelona.
City, who lost 3-2 to Milan in New York, are hoping to record their first win of the pre-season tour in Orlando on Tuesday against Barcelona, where the clash between Guardiola and Ibrahimovic may rekindle further memories and fuel the ongoing debate surrounding their tumultuous relationship.
