Sahih Muslim Book 31, Hadith Number 5875.
Chapter : The merits of Abu Bakr Siddiq (Allah be pleased with him).
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 (may peace be upon him) 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.