Roma director Franco Baldini: 'I met Pep Guardiola in New York'

Roma director Franco Baldini has revealed that he met former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola last week.

The Italian, though, insists that his meeting with the 41-year-old was for "a friendly chat" and backs coach Zdenek Zeman to remain at the club beyond the summer.

"Zeman knew about my chat with Pep, which by the way had nothing to do with football," Baldini told Sky Sport Italia.

"I got to know a fantastic person like him and am keeping this friendship alive. I was in New York for work and was able to meet him for a friendly chat."

Guardiola has already said that he plans to return to coaching next season.