PEP GUARDIOLA’S stars float like a butterfly and sting like a Manchester bee.

That is the opinion of Rick Lewis, former two-time British Muay Thai champion and the dad of Man City’s teenage sensation Rico Lewis, 19.

‘Kru Rick’ has coached all walks of life and he reckons Guardiola has the makings of a “stone cold killer” and that Phil Foden has got the perfect build to become a Muay Thai champ.

Rick’s journey in martial arts began in the 1980s and he learnt his craft from renowned coach Grandmaster Sken, who even trained Foden as a youngster.

He now owns Phoenix Muay Thai in Whitefield, Manchester which has become a beating heart for the community around it.

Rick said: “I’d love to do a session with Pep, just to see how he reacts to instructions.

“It’s not about ability. I’m sure a lot of people would choose Erling Haaland but I’d like to see what Pep can do.

“I think he would be a stone cold killer, meticulous, he would want to get everything right.

“Each punch and kick would be right in the middle. He would be strong, with his guard up and he wouldn’t give up.

“Foden would be the best fighter aside from Rico because he’s done it before and trained with the same person as me.

“He’s also got the right build for it. Hopefully I can put Phil and Rico to the test one day!”

Phoenix Muay Thai is full of character, with not only punch bags, a ring and title belts on show but LED lights and booming speakers like a “nightclub” to keep the fighters motivated. 

Rick set up the gym in Bury back in 2001 and three years later on the day Rico was born on 21 November 2004, he hung up his gloves.

Rick added: “Something went out of me instantly when he was born.

“I looked at him and thought it’s too selfish getting in the ring and getting hit. I don’t know how people do it.”

That didn’t stop Rico and his younger sister Sacha, who is now 16 and also plays for City’s academy, following in their father’s footsteps.

Rico started training at just two-years-old before having his first fight at aged three with a boy twice his age and size – something he would go on to do on the pitch. 

Rick recalls freezing when his son stepped in the ring given he knows all too well about the brutal side of Muay Thai.

The sport is known as the art of eight limbs and at the highest level includes elbows and knees to the head. 

The former British champ once broke his arm from being kicked in the fourth round of a fight before going out to win it.

Rick said: “Rico’s debut was horrible, nothing would come out of my mouth.

“One of the other lads had to take over. But when Sacha started out, I know it sounds really bad, but I was used to my kids being hit!

“I was glad Rico switched to football though. I’m so glad he never fought with elbows and knees.”

Rico joined City’s academy at age eight and holds a whopping 30-fight unbeaten streak.

He is searingly humble for a young man who won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble with City before he turned 19.

His character on the pitch has been shaped within the four walls of Phoenix Muay Thai and the guidance of his dad.

Rick’s gym is named after the Phoenix because it rose from the ashes, starting out small into what it is today – similar to Rico’s journey with City.

And Rick is like any proud dad, who has kept Rico grounded while he has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish.

When Rico became the youngest player to score on his first Champions League start at age 17 in a 3-1 win over Sevilla last year, Rick brought every newspaper he could. 

He said: “I bought every newspaper in Bury Tesco. I spent 45 quid on papers!

“A woman that worked there rang security because they thought I was up to something. They thought there was a protest or something going on.”

Rico still trains Muay Thai with his dad, particularly during pre season, hitting pads and taking part in fitness drills like the bleep test.

You can see the fighter within him when he brushes off being clattered to the floor by players twice his size.

Rick added: “He is only 19, people don’t remember that. They criticise him but to me he is still a baby.

“He gets kicked to the floor but jumps straight up again and wins the ball back.

“I think Muay Thai made him prepared and ready to be coachable to Pep. He is so disciplined.

“It’s only ever been him in the ring when he’s fought and that has helped him so much.”