Pep Guardiola has told a court that Benjamin Mendy is a "really good boy", as he made a surprise appearance as a defence witness at his rape trial.
The Manchester City manager said the French international, whom he signed in 2017, had asked him to give evidence about his character before Chester Crown Court.
Mr Guardiola made his brief appearance - which lasted less than 10 minutes - via video link, wearing a grey t-shirt and sitting in front of a window with blinds blocking out the sunlight.
Eleanor Laws KC, for the defence, pointed out that Mr Guardiola had chosen to do so despite being aware of the "serious" allegations against the 28-year-old.
Mr Mendy is accused of seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault. He denies the charges.
Mr Guardiola, who last season won his fourth Premier League title with the Manchester club, told jurors that he wanted to sign Mr Mendy in 2017 because he was "an exceptional player".
'Really generous'
Asked about Mr Mendy’s character, he continued: "He is a really good boy, he is really generous."
He described how Mr Mendy quickly integrated into the team, adding: "He is a funny, funny boy."
Ms Laws asked Mr Guardiola whether Mr Mendy was well liked by his team mates.
"Definitely," he replied.
He added that managing Mr Mendy was "so easy", but he described finding out at the beginning of 2021 that the player had breached lockdown rules by hosting a party.
Mr Guardiola publicly supported Mr Mendy over his lockdown breach, jurors heard.
'I wasn't happy'
He told the court: "I realised it happened, someone at the club advised me of that - I wasn’t happy, we talked about that and he accepted he did not do the right thing."
Mr Mendy is alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman at a party at his home on January 2.
Ms Laws asked Mr Guardiola whether he knew about the serious allegations that Mr Mendy was facing. Mr Guardiola replied that he did.
She continued: "And you were still prepared to appear on his behalf?"
Mr Guardiola said: "I was asked by him to come today."
The trial continues.
