Heartening Discovery: Pep Guardiola’s Recognition of His First Encounter with Man City Prodigy Micah Hamilton as a Ball Boy
Pep Guardiola couldn’t contain a smile when reminded of the enduring acquaintance he shares with Micah Hamilton, a 20-year-old who made a remarkable debut for Manchester City in the Champions League, contributing to their 3-2 victory against Red Star Belgrade.
Hamilton swiftly propelled City into the lead a mere 19 minutes into the game, exhibiting his prowess amidst a hostile environment in Serbia. Notably, he also played a pivotal role in winning a penalty, subsequently converted by Kalvin Phillips.
Having been associated with the club since the age of nine, Hamilton’s meteoric rise resonated with Guardiola, prompting a recollection of an incident six years prior. In 2017, Guardiola, in a display of meticulous attention to detail, engaged with a ball boy during a match against Crystal Palace, emphasizing the swift return of the ball for continuous play despite City’s commanding 5-0 triumph.
From ballboy to #UCL goalscorer! 🩵
Then… pic.twitter.com/8pKjwbEzZY
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 13, 2023
Addressing inquiries following the recent victory over Red Star Belgrade, Guardiola initially expressed unfamiliarity with the incident. However, upon being presented with a snapshot, he marveled at Hamilton’s growth, remarking on the evolution since their earlier encounter.
Delighted with Hamilton’s performance, Guardiola lauded the young talent’s skills, acknowledging his instrumental goal and role in securing the penalty. Hamilton, reflecting on his surreal debut, credited the manager for the opportunities granted, underscoring the developmental influence of training alongside elite players.
Positioned on the right wing, an unfamiliar territory for Hamilton, he embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, relishing the experience while emphasizing his desire to build upon this debut performance.
