Pep Guardiola hints at Kylian Mbappe romance with Spanish actor before Champions League tie | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has again drawn attention in Spain before Manchester City face Real Madrid, appearing to allude to reports linking Kylian Mbappe with Spanish actor Ester Exposito while discussing the forward’s decision to recuperate in Paris.

El tiempo justo claims Mbappe asked some Real Madrid team-mates about Exposito, then made contact on social media, and that the pair have been on seven or eight dates in recent months.

Before December’s league-phase meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu, Guardiola told the under-pressure Xabi Alonso to “pee with his own”, and City went on to win 2-1. A little over a month later, Alonso was out of the job.

Ahead of this Round of 16 tie he was asked whether he had advice for Alvaro Arbeloa, but declined. He said he knows Alonso personally and that it would not be appropriate to offer guidance.

Asked about players choosing to recover away from the club, Guardiola downplayed any controversy. He said footballers have their own preferences, that it happens at City and elsewhere, and he did not view it as disrespectful.

Exposito is among Spain’s most recognisable actors, best known for Netflix series Elite and a regular in gossip columns. She attended a celebration at Fede Valverde’s house in 2022 and is seemingly familiar with several Real Madrid players.

Source: Football Espana