This hadith has been narrated through another chain of transmitters and the one narrated on the authority of Abdullah (the words are):" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) is reported to have said: Behold I am free from the dependence of all bosom friends and if I were to choose anyone as bosom friend I would have taken Abu Bakr as my bosom friend. Allah has taken your companion as a friend

English translation · Sahih Muslim