"I am so tired": Pep Guardiola calls Manchester City exit "right decision" after emotional farewell
Manchester, May 25
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola bid an emotional farewell to the club after his side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, bringing an end to his remarkable 10-year tenure with the Premier League club.
According to Goal.com, the legendary Spanish coach admitted that he felt "tired" after spending a decade at Manchester City and described stepping down as the "right decision" for both the club and the players.
The match against Aston Villa also marked farewell appearances for long-serving Manchester City players Bernardo Silva and John Stones, adding to the emotional atmosphere at the stadium.
Reflecting on the farewell, Guardiola revealed that he became emotional after seeing Bernardo Silva in tears, describing the occasion as an unforgettable and deeply emotional moment.
"I don't cry, but when I saw Bernardo cry, I cried. I said don't cry but it happened. It was such a special moment. The emotions were so high. I will never forget," Guardiola said after the match, as quoted by Goal.com.
The Spaniard said he now feels exhausted after dedicating everything to the role over the past decade. Guardiola added that although his memories with FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich remain special, his time at Manchester City has given him an unmatched collection of experiences and relationships.
"I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired. I did everything. We did it. The memories I have of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are unbeatable but the luggage of memories I have from here from 10 years is more than any other," he said.
Guardiola departs Manchester City after one of the most successful managerial spells in modern football history. During his tenure, he guided the club to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League title, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
Since taking charge of the club in 2016, Guardiola managed Manchester City in 593 matches, registering 423 wins, 77 draws and 93 defeats across competitions.
Speaking about his departure, Guardiola said he believes the timing is right for him to step away and expressed gratitude to the club for respecting and understanding his decision.
"It is the right time. I will not miss it for a while, that's for sure. I feel deeply that the decision is the right decision for this club and the players. I thank the club for respecting it, they understood," Guardiola said.
The Spaniard also stressed that beyond trophies and achievements, it was the relationships and memories built during his journey at Manchester City that mattered the most to him.
"Without the trophies, I would have been sacked but it is not looking at the trophies in the cabinet at home that makes me happy. It is the memories and connections I had since day one with the city, the backroom staff and the players."
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Man City fan, this is heartbreaking but also the right call. Pep has given everything to this club. The players looked devastated, especially Bernardo Silva crying – that says more than any trophy. I hope he takes a long break and comes back refreshed. Manchester will always be home for him.
I'm not even a City fan, but this farewell feels so emotional. Pep revolutionized English football – the tiki-taka, the press, the intensity. And the way he talks about memories over trophies shows his human side. We need more managers like him who care about relationships, not just results. Beautiful farewell. ❤️
Guardiola leaving at the right time – he's done everything possible. But I have to say, the Premier League will miss his tactical genius. The rivalries with Klopp, Arteta, and others made the league what it is. Also, seeing Stones and Silva leave too – it's the end of an era at the Etihad. Let's see who takes over.
Pep's honesty is refreshing. In a world where managers never admit exhaustion, he says "I am so tired" and means it. That takes courage. And the fact that he cried seeing Bernardo Silva cry shows the bond they shared. Football is about moments like these, not just silverware. Wishing him the best in whatever comes next. 🏆
I appreciate Guardiola's greatness, but let's not forget the spending power he had. Yes, he's a genius, but with unlimited funds at City, it's easier to build a
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