'Just continue playing your game' – Antoine Semenyo recalls Pep Guardiola's inspiring message

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has revealed the simple, empowering message he received from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola upon his arrival at the club, providing him with the ultimate vote of confidence.

Semenyo, who joined City in a landmark £65 million transfer, said Guardiola's first instruction was to embrace his natural playing style without hesitation.

According to the 26-year-old striker, Guardiola told him directly, "Just continue playing your game. Play free, express yourself, shoot, dribble, do whatever feels right for you."

The advice reflects Guardiola's core philosophy of granting creative freedom to his attacking players, trusting their instincts to thrive within the team's system rather than imposing rigid restrictions. For Semenyo, transitioning to one of Europe's most elite and demanding clubs, the manager's words served as a crucial psychological boost.

"He encouraged me not to change who I am as a footballer but to play with confidence and express myself fully on the pitch," Semenyo explained. The message has clearly resonated, as the forward has quickly become an influential figure at the Etihad, contributing vital goals and assists since his January move.

With Manchester City competing for the Premier League and Champions League, the freedom instilled by Guardiola is expected to be key in helping Semenyo play with the confidence needed to seize his opportunities and cement his place as a long-term success for the club and the Ghana national team.