Barcelona sports chief Deco insists Pep Guardiola's impact as coach was "not revolutionary".
The Manchester City manager has long been celebrated for transforming Barca when taking charge.
But a skeptical Deco told La Vanguardia: "When he arrived at Bara, there is talk of a great revolution, that is a big lie. Ronaldinho and I left, but there were Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets coming up, Yaya Tour, the best African player, Messi, of course, Samuel Eto'o
"Guardiola was smart and when he arrived he put in order and his quality as a coach until building the best team I have ever seen. And he was smart, he knew not to waste time on other things.
"I would like to sign Ronaldinho and Eto'o today. Even Deco. But they neither exist nor are they on the market. Times have changed, football has changed. Today I could not have signed for Bara. I wouldn't have been waiting five years in Porto. Not Samuel in Mallorca waiting for Bara.
"As much as I wanted, so many offers would come to me from so many clubs that Porto would charge much more and it would be much more difficult."
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