Pep Guardiola says his time at Manchester City was ‘the experience of my life’ | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola described his time at Manchester City as “the experience of my life” as he confirmed his departure after 10 years in charge.

Guardiola will step down as City manager after Sunday’s final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa and take a break from coaching.

The 55-year-old has won 20 trophies in a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium and his exit ends one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football history.

“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.

“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.”

Guardiola admitted the demands and intensity of the job had taken their toll and he needed time away to recharge.

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Pep Guardiola says he needs a break and will not train ‘for a while’ (PA) (PA Wire)

He said: “Now rest. I need to step back. I will not train for a while.

“I feel I would not have the energy that’s required every three days, with expectations to fight for titles. It’s the time.

“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.”

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Manchester City’s title challenge ended at Bournemouth on Tuesday (PA) (PA Wire)

Guardiola was contracted until 2027 but his future beyond this summer had been the subject of speculation throughout the season.

He agreed with the club to leave 12 months early but did not want the news announced until City’s involvement in the title race was over.

That came after Tuesday’s draw at Bournemouth left Arsenal with an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

Guardiola said: “When the moment that we cannot fight for anything else – that is the moment to say, ‘OK’.

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Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had a congratulatory message for Pep Guardiola (PA) (PA Archive)

“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.”

Among the congratulatory messages he has received since announcing his decision was a voicemail from former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who famously described City as the “noisy neighbours” during their rise to prominence.

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 are to 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.”

Guardiola is to become a global ambassador for the City Football Group and has no plans for a quick return to management.

He said: “I need to to breathe a little bit and relax. I’ll be away for a while. That is my feeling right now.”