“It has been so f****** fun”: Pep Guardiola says goodbye to Manchester City, promising memories are “eternal” | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.

Guardiola's anticipated exit has been confirmed with the Spaniard releasing a statement. The 55-year-old has thanked Manchester City for their trust and support across a glittering decade, in which the club lifted 20 trophies.

Guardiola won sixPremier League titles with the Cityzens, and guided the club to a first Champions League crown, as part of treble success, in 2023. City have confirmed Guardiola will continue his relationship with the City Football Group, by taking up a role as a Global Ambassador.

In an emotional statement, Guardiola reflected on his time in Manchester and said the city and it's people will always be in his heart.

“When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, ‘Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun,’”Guardiola said.

“And what a time we have had together. Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I 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 clocked in early, stayed late. The factories. The Pankhursts. The unions. The music. Simply the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. And I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did too.

“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way.

“Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost thePremier League, and you were there. Trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too.

“Remember, the Manchester Arena attack, when this city showed the world what strength actually looks like? Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community. Togetherness. A city united.

“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, 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.”