Pep Guardiola has hailed Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata an 'exceptional' player as speculation continues over his Old Trafford future.
The 30-year-old is out of contract at United at the end of the season and with negotiations stalling over a new deal the midfielder is being linked with a move away from the club.
Barcelona are one of the sides who are reportedly interested in the Spaniard and Manchester City boss Guardiola recalled how he considered signing Mata when he was boss of the La Liga side.
Guardiola was asked for his opinion on Mata ahead of City's FA Cup semi-final clash against Brighton at Wembley on Saturday.
"He’s an exceptional player, one of the players I like the most," Guardiola said. "From the period in Valencia, at Barcelona when I was there, we wanted to bring him but the problem was that we had a lot of midfield players that was the only problem.
"But, he’s incredible, he played well for Chelsea and United and has a good restaurant in Manchester."
City are still on course to land a historic Quadruple and Guardiola was asked if he had been researching United's treble winning season in 1999 as homework.
"I’m quite curious about the teams that achieved something good, for the reason why and what they have done," Guardiola replied. "It’s clear that winning the treble is not easy. It happened in Germany, I went there the year after Jupp Heynckes got it.
"I like to know the way they did it. And every time, when I look at these kind of big, big issues, always it’s tough.
"There are always moments where you be lucky, and having personalities in the big moments can help the team to achieve. But I cannot compare us with what United have done. They have done what we haven’t.
Man City squad to face Brighton in FA Cup semi-final revealed
