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He may no longer be in charge of Barcelona but Pep Guardiola has publicly praised the side's signing of Valencia left-back Jordi Alba earlier this week.

The Catalan star - who had previously been part of Barcelona's La Masia youth set-up - signed for the club on Thursday in a deal worth €14 million. Now Barca's former boss has given the thumbs up to the move too.

Speaking to Indonesia TV channel RCTI, Pep said of the deal: "Jordi Alba is a great signing. "I will enjoy seeing him at Barca next season because he is a very good player."

Pep was also asked about about his fondest memories of managing Barcelona in an incredibly successful four-year reign, stating that he could not name one player as his favourite to coach.

"I had the privilege to coach an incredible team, with a philosophy in which everyone believed and with players who are very talented and wanted to do things better every day," he said.

"That was the secret behind all the successes we had. The best player? Everyone is very good.

"Xavi, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta have a lot of talent, but also Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes, Thierry Henry or Samuel Eto'o. The merits belonged to the squad."

Though previously linked to a move to Chelsea next summer, various reports have circulated that Bayern Munich may have privately put out feelers to the 41-year-old should he want to return to management for the German giants instead.