Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that he was not upset about being sacked by Real Madrid because he always knew it was coming.
The Chilean, who faces a double-header against Los Blancos in the Champions League, lasted just one season at the Bernabeu before being given the boot in 2010.
Despite his limited time in the Spanish capital, Pellegrini admits that taking charge of the 10-time European champions was a real privilege regardless of the circumstances surrounding his final days.
"I was upset at the time because we played so well and did not win the title," he is quoted as saying by The Sun. "But I was not so upset about getting the sack because I knew that was going to happen all along. I realised after just a few games that I would only be getting one season.
"We scored more than a hundred goals and when we played at Barcelona we did not deserve to lose but were beaten 1-0 through an unbelievable goal by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Even winning the title would not have saved me at Real Madrid and I would not have wanted to stay in any case under the conditions they imposed.
"I am still happy to have had the honour of managing Real Madrid, regardless of how it turned out. What happened six years ago does not really matter now. I would not like anyone to think I am still wounded and I do not wish to appear bitter."
Man City play host to Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday evening, before heading to the Bernabeu for the return fixture a week later.
Daniel Lewis
