Following Tommy Fleetwood’s victory in Rome to secure Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, PEP GUARDIOLA welcomed him.

In one of the afternoon’s last singles matches, Fleetwood, 32, defeated American Rickie Fowler to earn the victory point for Luke Donald’s team.

Team Europe defeated Zach Johnson’s all-star squad 16.5–11.5 in the end.

The manager of Manchester City, Guardiola, was among the first to congratulate the Southport-born match-winner. Guardiola also participated in a pro-am competition with Fleetwood in 2018.

The Spaniard stated on Instagram: “You are the only one who truly deserves this Ryder Cup.

“As everyone knows, you are a fantastic guy and a great golfer. Love thee.

“Congratulations on your back, Europe.”

Three years after losing badly to the Americans 19–9 in Whistling Straits, Europe’s convincing victory over the Americans was payback.

And when Fleetwood was interviewed following the victory, he was ecstatic.

He stated to Sky Sports: “I’m just so pleased to be a part of this team, and I’m just so delighted to be a part of it. It was a bit greater than I thought I was going to have when we saw the draw.

“We accomplished the goal for which we came. We always have such a great bunch of folks.

“Obviously, this year has been different; team Europe’s environment has changed slightly. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with on this.”

It’s been incredible, and everyone is wonderful. We are merely one enormous family.

“I’m just happy to be one of the people who gets to contribute to what we came here to do. Relief, pride, joy.”