Pep Guardiola has described his time at Manchester City as 'the experience of my life' as he confirmed his departure after 10 years in charge. The 55-year-old will step down as manager after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa and take a break from coaching.
Guardiola has won 20 trophies in a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium, ending one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football history.
Emotional Farewell
'I'm really satisfied, happy and proud,' Guardiola said at a press conference. 'I don't know the right words. It has been the experience of my life. I did my best, I gave everything until the last drop of what I have. I'm leaving with an incredible sense of peace in my soul that I gave everything for this club.'
He added: 'It's the time. Ten years is a lot of time and I think the club needs a new manager, new energy, with these incredible players that we have right now. It's time to write another chapter.'
Need for Rest
Guardiola admitted the demands and intensity of the job had taken their toll. 'Now rest. I need to step back. I will not train for a while,' he said. 'I feel I would not have the energy that's required every three days, with expectations to fight for titles. It's the time.'
He explained: 'It's not because I'm not ambitious or I don't want to try it again. I think it's not good in an organisation to have people for many, many years. It's good to shake, to move, new faces. It's really good for everyone. If I did not believe that – if they don't sack me – I would stay here. But I think it's the perfect moment.'
Timing of Announcement
Guardiola was contracted until 2027 but his future had been subject of speculation. He agreed with the club to leave 12 months early but did not want the news announced until City's title race involvement was over. That came after Tuesday's draw at Bournemouth left Arsenal with an unassailable lead.
'When the moment that we cannot fight for anything else – that is the moment to say, 'OK',' Guardiola said. 'I want to say a proper goodbye to my people on Sunday. I want to hug all of them on the pitch and that's why we announced it.'
Messages of Support
Among the congratulatory messages was a voicemail from former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who famously described City as the 'noisy neighbours' during their rise. Guardiola said: 'It means a lot to me. I cannot be humble enough, he's the greatest in this country. I'm pretty sure to Sir Alex we are not the noisy neighbours. We are the neighbours, just the neighbours. I'm happy that he was there to watch us.'
City will honour the Spaniard by renaming their newly-expanded North Stand as 'The Pep Guardiola Stand'. 'I'm speechless, no words,' he said. 'What can I say? It's an incredible, huge honour.'
Future Plans
Guardiola is to become a global ambassador for the City Football Group and has no plans for a quick return to management. 'I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I'll be away for a while. That is my feeling right now,' he concluded.
