La Masia academy graduate praised the outgoing Barcelona manager whos has been an influential figure in his footballing development.
Under the tautology of Pep Guardiola, over 22 La Masia academy graduates made their debut for Barcelona first team. While the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pedro-c29582 Rodriguez shot off in his time.
Joining the select group is Martin Montoya, who will be promoted to the first team after a telling season with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 B in the Segunda Division. Montoya took his bow in front of the Camp Nou faithful on February 2011 and has gone strength from strength since then.
With Guardiola leaving La Blaugrana in the summer, the youngster took out time to praise his mentor whom he owes a lot for the first team chances.
Reflecting on his influence, Montoya claimed that the 41-year-old is very important for him as he gave his regular chances with the regulars and decided that he will be part of the first team from the coming season.
"Guardiola has been the most important coach for me," Montoya said while talking to Madrid based Spanish sports daily, Marca. "He gave me the chance and he was the one who decided that I would be part of the first team next season.”
Continuing on the subject, Montoya confided that he is pleased to have earned promotion and make his lifelong dream come true. He revealed that he has been with the Catalan giants for a period of 12 years and have never thought about leaving the club for a second.
"I'm very happy to have been promoted. It makes me feel proud. I have played here for 12 years now, and I have never wanted to leave. Barca are the team of my dreams.”
"Training with the first team means working at a high rhythm, and always giving everything. You learn a lot in a short period of time."
Montoya was part of Guardiola’s starting eleven in his final match for Barcelona. The youngster gave an assured display for La Blaugrana as they setup a Spanish Super Cup date with Real Madrid at the start of the season with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final at the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 Calderon.
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