Ten years after his arrival at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola officially said goodbye to the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, after the Cityzens’ defeat against Aston Villa (1-2) on the last day of the Premier League. Very moved during the tribute organized after the match, the Spanish coach looked back on the exceptional decade spent at the head of the Cityzens, marked by six Premier Leagues, a Champions League and historic domination in England.
“ We had a great time. Thanks to everyone, the new stand is magnificent. Bernardo (Silva) was emotional today, before the match. If you want to cry, cry; if you want to laugh, laugh. Emotions must be allowed to express themselves. I don’t cry, but when I see someone else crying, then I cry! This chapter will remain forever engraved in our memories. So many memories – forget the titles, it’s the memories that count. All of us. Everyone here is amazing. Life is made up of periods, we have lived through an incredible period. If I had the energy, I would stay hereconfided Guardiola to the applause of the Mancunian public. A new person must take over. The (new) coach must remain himself, that’s the most important thing. His way of communicating, his way of playing, he must be himself. This club excels in many areas, and they manage transitions very well. Everything will be fine. You can win many titles, but the connection with the city and the people you work with… if you don’t feel comfortable with your colleagues, you don’t stay 10 years. »
