It is said that Pep Guardiola was furious when the English press leaked the announcement of his departure from Manchester City. This Friday, when he is supposed to give a press conference in a few minutes on the eve of the last Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa, the Spanish coach took no one by surprise, but the announcement still has its effect. After ten years at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola will leave the Skyblues.
“Pep Guardiola will leave his post as Manchester City coach this summer. The Catalan, who joined City in July 2016, profoundly transformed the club during his ten years in charge and will leave having won 20 major trophies, making him the most successful manager in our history. Despite his departure as Manchester City manager, Pep will continue his collaboration with the City Football Group by taking on the role of global ambassador. In this capacity, he will provide technical advice to the group’s clubs and work on specific projects and collaborations.we can read in the press release published by Manchester City.
“It’s been so fucking fun.”
Still considered the best coach in the world, Guardiola has not failed in his reputation on the other side of the Channel. Under his leadership, the flagship club of the City Football Group won six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup (the current Intercontinental Cup, editor’s note), a UEFA Super Cup and three Community Shields. Guardiola leaves City without having won the last two English championships, but he still leaves a huge legacy. A legacy that Enzo Maresca, the big favorite to succeed the Catalan, will have to perpetuate.
“When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I left thinking: “Okay… Is Christmas here?” It’ll be nice. »And what an adventure we had together. Don’t ask me why I’m leaving. There’s no reason, but deep down I know the time has come. Nothing is eternal; If that were the case, I would still be here. What will remain forever are the feelings, the people, the memories and the love I have for my Manchester City. It’s a city built on work. On effort. We see it in the color of the bricks. Through people who clock in early and stay late. Factories. The Pankhursts. Unions. The music. Quite simply the Industrial Revolution and how it changed the world. And I think I’ve come to understand that, and so have my teams. We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our way. Our way. Hard work takes many forms. The trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League, and you were there. The trips to Istanbul, when you were there too. Remember the Manchester Arena bombing, when this city showed the world what strength really looks like? Not anger. Not fear. Just love. The community. Solidarity. A united city. Remember when I lost my mother during COVID and I felt this club support me to get through it? The supporters, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most. Cris, my children, my whole family, you were there, as always. Khaldoon, you were there too. The players don’t forget – every moment, every moment, me, my staff, this club, everything. What we have accomplished, we have done for all of you. And you were simply exceptional. You don’t know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy. As my term comes to an end, be happy. Oasis is back. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me. Thanks for pushing me. Thank you for loving me. Tony Walsh said in his unforgettable poem: “It is here”. I’m sorry, Tony: this is my home. Noel… I was right. It’s been so fucking fun. I love you all »wrote the future ex-Cityzens coach.
