London Legends Cup

Tottenham Hotspur favourite and former Argentina international Osvaldo Ardiles has heralded Barcelona as the ‘future of the football’.

Barca defeated Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, capturing their fourth European Cup in emphatic fashion.

It was their second Champions League triumph in three years under coach Pep Guardiola, whose reign has also yielded three consecutive Spanish league titles.

Speaking at Sunday’s London Legends’ Cup, a post-season tournament contested by retired players at Fulham’s Craven Cottage, 1978 World Cup winner Ardiles had no hesitation in declaring this Barca side one of the greatest.

“Barcelona are the team to beat, they are the best team in the world,” Ardiles said.

“I think they are probably one of the best in the history of football. I think they are an extraordinary team with a few wonderful players like Lionel Messi.”

“I think they are going to reign in football for a long, long time. They are all very young as well, it’s a real pleasure.”

“It’s the future of football, this is how football is going to be played in the future certainly.”