Antoine Semenyo reveals Guardiola's empowering message at Manchester City

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has revealed the simple yet powerful message he received from Pep Guardiola upon his arrival at Manchester City—a directive to play with absolute freedom and self-belief that has marked a major turning point in his integration at the club.

According to Semenyo, the City manager's first words to him were a clear vote of confidence, focused on reinforcing his natural instincts. "Just continue playing your game. Play free, express yourself, shoot, dribble, do whatever feels right for you," Guardiola told the striker.

The advice perfectly encapsulates Guardiola's coaching philosophy of empowering attacking players through creativity and instinct rather than rigid tactical restriction.

For Semenyo, who joined City from Bournemouth in a high-profile £65 million move in January, the message has been instrumental in helping him settle at one of the world's most demanding clubs.

"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 forward has quickly translated that freedom into goals, becoming a key contributor for City in both the Premier League and Champions League.

With Manchester City competing for multiple trophies, the trust shown by Guardiola provides Semenyo with the psychological foundation to play without fear, ensuring he can make the most of every opportunity as he aims to establish himself as a long-term success at the Etihad Stadium.