Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended his treatment of goalkeeper Joe Hart in the wake of his side's 1-0 win over Steaua Bucuresti in the Champions League.

The Spanish coach, who has dropped the England stopper as the team's first-choice keeper, insisted that he has been honest with Hart about his plans from the beginning.

However, he went on to pay tribute to the player and hail his services to City over the years.

"Joe is still our player. I know he's a legend for this club. It was a good night for everybody and Joe is included in that," Guardiola told reporters.

"I'm here to take decisions. I can't deny what I feel. I was honest with Joe, the club and myself and that's what I try to do.

"I can completely understand if the fans are not happy. Joe did a lot with this club in the years he's been [here], more than I have done."

Hart, who made his only start of the new season in the win over Steaua, is expected to leave City before the transfer window closes next week, with Sevilla tipped as the frontrunners for his signature.