Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has opened up about the confidence-boosting message he received from Pep Guardiola after completing his headline-making £65 million move to Manchester City.

Rather than overwhelming the 26-year-old with tactical demands, Guardiola delivered a refreshingly simple instruction: stay true to yourself.

“Just continue playing your game,” Semenyo recalled. “Play free, express yourself, shoot, dribble—do whatever feels right for you.”

The message, according to Semenyo, was exactly what he needed as he stepped into one of the most demanding environments in world football. Guardiola’s approach, rooted in trust and creative freedom, reassured the Ghanaian that he was signed for who he is—not to be reshaped into something else.

“He encouraged me not to change who I am as a footballer, but to play with confidence and express myself fully,” Semenyo explained.

That trust has already shown on the pitch. Since his January arrival at the Etihad, Semenyo has made an immediate impact, chipping in with crucial goals and assists as City continue their push on multiple fronts.

With Manchester City battling for both the Premier League and Champions League, Guardiola’s faith could prove decisive—not just for the club’s ambitions, but for Semenyo’s growth into a key figure for City and the Ghana national team.