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According to a report by Metro on Friday, May 22, 2026, Pep Guardiola has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson sent him a personal message following the confirmation of his Manchester City departure, in what the outgoing manager described as one of the most meaningful gestures of his career.
Guardiola confirmed the message during his final press conference as Manchester City boss, marking the end of a remarkable 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium. The Spaniard will leave the club at the conclusion of the season after a decade that delivered 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown.
The 55-year-old’s announcement signals the closing of one of the most dominant managerial eras in English football history, with City establishing themselves as the defining force of the Premier League under his leadership.
Ferguson, who retired from management in 2013 after a legendary spell in charge of Manchester United, had previously attempted to bring Guardiola to Old Trafford in 2012 during the Catalan coach’s sabbatical after leaving Barcelona. Guardiola, however, opted to begin his managerial journey at Bayern Munich before eventually taking charge of Manchester City in 2016.
The two iconic managers share a notable history, having faced each other in the UEFA Champions League finals of 2009 and 2011, both of which saw Guardiola’s Barcelona side come out on top against Ferguson’s Manchester United team.
Speaking about the message he received, Guardiola said it had left a strong personal impression on him and stood out among the many reactions to his decision to leave City.
He described Ferguson as the greatest manager in English football, praising his longevity, achievements, and influence on the Premier League. Guardiola added that receiving recognition from someone of Ferguson’s stature made the moment particularly special.
The City boss also reflected on the wider respect between the two men, noting Ferguson’s continued presence in football since retirement and his status as a benchmark for managerial success in England.
Guardiola suggested that Ferguson acknowledging his work at Manchester City carried added significance given the rivalry between City and Manchester United during his tenure.
Ferguson, now 84, has remained a respected figure around Old Trafford since stepping away from management and was recently taken to hospital for precautionary medical attention ahead of a Premier League fixture earlier this month.
Guardiola’s departure brings an end to a defining chapter in modern football, closing a period that reshaped Manchester City’s identity and redefined standards of sustained success in the Premier League.
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