Pep Guardiola is preparing to bring the curtain down on one of the most remarkable managerial reigns English football has ever witnessed.
After ten years at Manchester City, over 20 major titles, and a period of dominance that saw four consecutive Premier League trophies make their way to the east side of Manchester, the Catalan is stepping down at the end of this season.
The tributes have been many, but one in particular has clearly meant more to Guardiola than most.
Speaking ahead of his final home game against Aston Villa, Guardiola revealed, via Goal, that he’d received a personal message from Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, the most successful manager in the history of English football, and someone whose record Guardiola has spent a decade being measured against:
"I know I had incredible success as a manager and it’s nice to be there. One of the biggest compliments I had was I got a message from Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday and that made me so happy."
A Legendary Tribute From Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson | Champions League
The significance of the gesture isn’t lost on anyone who understands football's broader context. Guardiola famously defeated Ferguson's United side in two Champions League finals. So, given that Ferguson took the time to reach out privately speaks to a level of respect that goes far beyond club loyalties.
Sir Alex Ferguson (circa 2012), Jose Mourinho (circa 2014), Sam Allardyce (circa 1008), Rafael Benítez (circa 2018) with Premier League logo Related
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Guardiola elaborated on the nature of the message, confirming that Ferguson had written specifically to acknowledge the standards City had set under his leadership:
"He congratulated me for the trajectory and for what we achieved. It means a lot to me.
It’s the kind of recognition that can’t be manufactured, and coming from Ferguson, it carries a weight that no trophy or statistic can replicate.”
Guardiola's Tribute To Ferguson And Johan Cruyff
Pep Guardiola at Old Trafford
Pep Guardiola at Old Trafford
Guardiola used the moment to reflect on the two figures who’ve shaped his footballing philosophy most profoundly.
Ferguson, he said, remains the benchmark against which all managers in England must be measured by. But his words also carried a note of sadness for one of his mentors, Johan Cruyff, who passed away in 2016 and never got to see the full extent of what his former pupil would go on to achieve:
“It’s not to be humble but he is the greatest in this country," Guardiola said, "We are the neighbours, and I’m so happy that he was there to watch us.”
It is a fitting note on which to reflect on a decade of extraordinary achievement.
Guardiola arrived at City as a rival to Ferguson's legacy. He leaves with the man himself sending his congratulations.