MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – There’s no longer any doubt: Pep Guardiola is leaving Manchester City. Sunday’s match against Aston Villa will be the Catalan manager’s final game in charge, thus closing his ten-year spell at the Etihad. “Don’t ask me why I’m leaving,” Guardiola said. “There’s no specific reason, but deep down I know it’s time. Nothing lasts forever: if it did, I’d still be here. What will last forever, however, are the feelings, the people, the memories, and the love I feel for my Manchester City.”

Guardiola, who had one year left on his contract, arrived at City in July 2016 and led the club to 20 trophies. His connection with City Football Group will not end as he takes on the role of global ambassador. In this new role, he will provide technical advice to the group’s clubs and work on specific projects and collaborations. “We worked, we suffered, we fought. And we did things our way. Our way,” Guardiola said. “Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for loving me.” The manager recalls being interviewed by Noel Gallagher upon his arrival. “Noel, I was right: it was bloody fun. I love you all.” And speaking of the Gallagher brothers, Guardiola quipped: “As my time here comes to an end, be happy. Oasis is back.”

“Over the past ten years, honesty and trust have been the foundation on which we have approached every situation with Pep,” said Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the club’s president. “Today, the right decision for Pep is to end his tenure as Manchester City manager. There were times when he could have stopped, but he always found new energy and new ways to continue winning.”

“We had the privilege of working with him for 10 years,” paid tribute to him, CEO Ferran Sorian. “His legacy is extraordinary and will continue to influence the club for generations. We are also happy that he will remain with the team and we will be able to use his experience at other clubs.”

Guardiola has won six Premier League titles, one Champions League title, three FA Cups, five League Cups, a Club World Cup, a European Super Cup, and three Community Shields. Among his records, he won the Premier League in 2018 with 100 points and 106 goals.

– photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews