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Key Points

Txiki Begiristain is stepping away from his role as Manchester City's Director of Football after 13 successful years. He says he'll now support City as one of his three favorite clubs alongside Barcelona and Real Sociedad. The 61-year-old plans to enjoy more family time but will still follow football closely. He fully endorses his successor Hugo Viana, calling him a "top selection" for the role.

Key Points: Txiki Begiristain Manchester City Fan After Director of Football Exit

  • Begiristain names Man City as one of his three clubs to follow
  • He plans to spend more time with family after 13-year career
  • Endorses Hugo Viana as his successor in top hands
  • Will visit Manchester often as his daughter lives there
2 min read

'I'll be watching Man City from afar': Txiki Begiristain

Former Man City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain reveals he'll now support the club as a fan, plans family time, and endorses successor Hugo Viana.

"I have three clubs! One is Sociedad, where I grew up, the second one is Barcelona, of course; and then it’s going to be City. - Txiki Begiristain"

New Delhi, Sep 10

Txiki Begiristain admits he’ll be supporting Manchester City as a fan now as one of the three clubs he follows from afar. Begiristain was Director of Football at the Blues for 13 years and an integral figure in their rise to becoming one of the biggest clubs in the world.

The 61-year-old now plans to spend plenty of time with his family after a long and distinguished career in the game. But he says when he does check out the football scores, City will be very much on his mind.

“I have three clubs!” he said to Man City's media team. "One is Sociedad, where I grew up, the second one is Barcelona, of course; and then it’s going to be City. I’ll see how I feel watching. I’m going to choose the right ones and just enjoy watching football. I’ve been watching the best football in the world – both at Barcelona and Manchester City - so I’ll choose only the good games!”

On spending time with his loved ones now he’s called time on his trophy-laden career, he added, “I’m ready to spend time with them, but I don’t know if they’re ready to have me all the time!

“I hope and wish they are ready! Hopefully they can understand I’m new in the house because until today, I was thinking a lot of football. I have a wonderful excuse to visit Manchester with my daughter staying here. I’m going to come often.

He retired from his position two months ago, with Hugo Viana replacing him in the CFA hotseat. Begiristain said he is in no doubt that Manchester City are in 'top hands' in the shape of Viana, his successor as Director of Football.

"He has been a top selection," Begiristain said in what was his final interview with City. "I would say that he is quite close to what I feel I am. He is so calm, but he is also very decisive. In the winter transfer window he couldn’t be here, he was at Sporting, but I’ve seen it in the last few months – the criteria he has and the way he sees football."

- IANS

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Priya S
As an Indian City fan, I'll always be grateful to Txiki for bringing us so much success. The way he built squads was incredible! 🔵
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Aditya G
Respect for acknowledging his successor. Shows true professionalism. Not many in football give credit to the next person like this.
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Sarah B
"I don't know if they're ready to have me all the time" 😂 That's so relatable for retired professionals! Family adjustment is real
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Vikram M
His legacy at City is unmatched. From Barcelona to Manchester - what a career! Hope he writes a book about his experiences someday.
M
Michael C
Interesting that he still follows three clubs. Shows how football becomes part of your identity no matter where you go. True football man!

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