Guardiola reveals classy gesture from Sir Alex before Man City matched Man United

The Manchester City boss went into the clash in Istanbul hoping to follow in the footsteps of the Manchester United legend, who famously secured the treble for the Red Devils back in 1999.

After City had won the Premier League and FA Cup in recent weeks, they were tasked with overcoming Inter Milan for the chance to emulate United's achievements, something that they managed with a 1-0 win in Turkey.

While City and United are famously rivals, the respect between Guardiola and Ferguson is palpable, with the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss very much looking up to the Scottish legend as a role model.

So upon matching his treble-winning achievements, Guardiola was full of praise of Ferguson's gesture.

Guardiola said: "It's an honour for me to be alongside Sir Alex Ferguson.

MORE ON MANCHESTER CITY

Arsenal chief drops Ilkay Gundogan transfer hint as Man City hero addresses future

Tearful Noel Gallagher predicts Man City dynasty and sends advice to Premier League rivals

"I got a message from him this morning. It touched me. It was nice."

For Guardiola, securing the Champions League trophy will be seen as the missing piece of his Man City portfolio.

With the treble now secured also, there's no doubting that the Spaniard has written himself into the conversation for one of the greatest managers of all-time, alongside Ferguson.