Pep Guardiola's daughter Maria has shared a series of behind-the-scenes memories to commemorate her father's decade-long spell at Manchester City, ahead of his departure this weekend. Guardiola officially confirmed he will step down as City boss on Sunday, with their home match against Aston Villa marking his final game in the Etihad dugout.
Guardiola's Legacy at Manchester City
The Catalan has lifted 17 major trophies at the Etihad Stadium, including the FA Cup after victory over Chelsea, though he fell just short of adding a seventh Premier League crown before departing. Speculation about Guardiola's future has persisted all season, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca expected to be announced as the new manager.
Maria's Instagram Tribute
Maria, who has been alongside her father during multiple triumphs at the club, posted a series of memories on Instagram following the news. Several focused on City's Treble-winning season in 2022-23, when Guardiola's side secured the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
- One clip showed City stars, led by Kevin De Bruyne, pouring vodka into Guardiola's mouth in a nightclub, prompting cheers from those gathered.
- Another showed the squad in Guardiola's office wearing Treble-themed t-shirts, with Jack Grealish leading a chant: 'Have you ever won the treble, have you f***'.
- Maria also shared a picture of Guardiola holding all three trophies ahead of City's bus parade after their first Champions League triumph in Istanbul.
Further photos revealed Guardiola with Elton John, who held the FA Cup alongside the City boss, and an embrace with Oasis star Noel Gallagher after being invited backstage at a gig in Heaton Park last summer.
Personal Reflections
Images included family members at trophy celebrations, Guardiola's tactics board in his Manchester apartment, and a mirror with quotes from Guardiola and his idol Johan Cruyff. Guardiola's quote, in Spanish, translates to: 'If we lose, we will still be the best team in the world. If we win, we will be eternal.' This message was given to his Barcelona side before the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United.
Photos also showed Guardiola's estranged wife Cristina Serra celebrating his triumphs with Maria, who concluded with the message: 'Memories to last a lifetime.'
Guardiola's Farewell Message
City announced the news with a video from Guardiola, who said: 'When I arrived, my first video was with Noel Gallagher. I walk out thinking, "oh, Noel is here, this will be fun." And what a time we have had together. Don't ask me the reasons why I'm leaving. There is no reason. But deep inside I know it's my time. Nothing is eternal. If it was, it would be here.'
'Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City. This is a city built from work, from graft. You see it in the colour of the bricks. From people who clock in early and who stay late. The factories, the bankers, the unions, the music. Simply, the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did, too. We work and we suffer. We fought and we did things our own way. Our way.'
'Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League and you were there. And trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too. Remember the Manchester Arena Attack? When the city showed the world what strength actually looks like. Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community, togetherness, a City united.'
'I remember losing my mum during COVID and feeling this club carry me through it. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most. Cris, my kids, my whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon, you were there too.'
'Players, don't forget - every single instant, every single moment, me, my staff, this club, everything. What we have done, we have done it for all of you. And you have been just exceptional. You don't know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy.'
'So as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for loving me. Tony Walsh said in his unforgettable poem this is the place. I'm sorry, Tony: this is my place. Noel…I was right. It has been so f****** fun. Love you all.'
