Manuel Pellegrini confirms captain Andrés Guardado’s imminent Real Betis exit | OneFootball

Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini has this evening seemingly confirmed the imminent departure of club captain Andrés Guardado.

Speculation surrounding the future of midfielder Guardado has of course been rampant for several weeks now.

This comes after word was forthcoming that the Mexican international had been afforded the opportunity to extend his career yet further, by way of a contract offer from Liga MX outfit León.

Now 37, and something of a bit-part player in Betis’ squad, it has in turn come as little surprise to hear of Guardado leaning towards making a return to his home country.

And, as alluded to above, on Wednesday, confirmation of as much appears to have been forthcoming, by way of none other than his headmaster.

Speaking in an as yet unreleased interview with TV Azteca, Manuel Pellegrini was today asked for the latest on the future of his veteran engine room star.

And the Chilean went on to reveal that he predicts a ‘heavy loss’ to his squad, upon Guardado moving on this month:

“It’s going to be a very heavy loss. Andrés has a great opportunity in Mexico for two or three more years. I hope it is the right decision.”

Pellegrini was also drawn on his recent falling out with Guardado, which the latter confirmed saw the pair come to blows.

Betis’ boss, though, assured that it is water under the bridge:

“I have fights with players, it’s over.”

Conor Laird | GSFN