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Manager Josep Guardiola has already set a date for the end of his Manchester City era. The Catalan manager announced his retirement after 10 years at the club, ending a press conference full of emotion, memories and gratitude. On Sunday he will be in charge of his final game at the Etihad against Aston Villa and the club are already preparing a fitting tribute in his honor.<\/p>\n
Manager Guardiola explained in a press conference: “Ten years is a long time. I think Man City needs a new manager, new energy. To start writing a new chapter with the great players we have now…” The coach also admitted he doesn’t plan on returning to the dugout anytime soon. “I haven’t answered. I’m not going to be coaching for a while. Otherwise, I’d be here. I need to take a step back. I’m not going to be coaching for a while…”<\/p>\n
“Pep looked relaxed, sitting in front of the media and joking, “Good luck, Aston Villa,” but later admitted that communicating the decision to his team was not easy. “My speech was a huge failure! I was more nervous than ever!” Until this Friday morning, he had not officially announced his departure to his players.‘<\/p>\n
Manchester City also took the opportunity to announce some tributes to the most important manager in its history. The Etihad Airways North Stand will be renamed the Pep Guardiola Stand and will be renovated and expanded in preparation for the Catalans’ final home match. In addition, the club plans to install a statue next to the new stand.<\/p>\n
“It’s an incredible honor to have my name on such a beautiful place. I’m speechless…” Pep confessed. Sheikh Mansour also wanted to praise Pep, saying, “For 10 years, Pep has embodied that ambition.”<\/p>\n
Guardiola has left the door open for him to remain linked with Citigroup off the bench. “I said that I want to remain part of this club, not as a coach. I will not make any decisions about it, just be part of the club.” The Catalan player will be able to collaborate on projects and provide technical advice within the structure of the group, which includes clubs such as Palermo, Troyes and Lommel.<\/p>\n
The coach spoke softly. “I leave City with an incredible peace of mind knowing that I have given everything to this club, left it in a better position and that people have enjoyed what we have done over the last 10 years…” He also revealed that he received messages from Kevin De Bruyne and Akanji after breaking the news. “Kevin’s phone call means everything, everything to me. More than the title…it’s the memories you get.”<\/p>\n
Final farewell at Etihad Airways<\/h2>\n
Sunday’s farewell will have an even more special element. The manager’s father, Valenti Guardiola, is 94 years old and will accompany his son to the stadium for his final game as City manager. Pep wants to close the circle on the pitch. \u201cI want to say a proper goodbye to my teammates on Sunday and hug everyone on the field.\u201d<\/p>\n
The club also released a farewell video narrated by Guardiola himself. “We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our way. Our way… So when my time is up, be happy. Oasis is back. Thank you everyone for believing in me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for loving me…”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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