Pep Guardiola said he will retire from football “for a while” after his departure from Manchester City was confirmed on Friday, ending a 10-year era of great success and 17 major trophies.
The former coach stated that he was leaving due to a drop in energy and the need to rest after many years of intensive work at the highest level.
– I have to retire, I won’t train for a while. I need a break – Guardiola said, adding that in recent years he was constantly under enormous pressure from results and expectations.
During his career at City, Guardiola won a number of domestic and international trophies, including a historic season in which the club won the treble.
The club said they would pay him a special tribute by renaming the extended north section of the Etihad Stadium the “Pep Guardiola Stand”. It was also announced that a statue would be erected in his honor in front of the stadium.
Guardiola pointed out that he was deeply moved by this decision, stressing that it is particularly important to him that his father’s name will be associated with that project.
– I’m speechless. My father will come on Sunday to see the stadium – he said.
The Spanish expert added that he will probably take a longer break, but he did not rule out a return to football in the future, although he emphasized that he is not currently planning any new engagements.
In his farewell message, he said he wanted fans to remember his team for the quality of play and the big moments, including winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
Guardiola also emphasized that he feels grateful to the club and the fans, noting that his time at Manchester City was the most important experience of his career.
After the official farewell and parade in Manchester, he is expected to retire from England and start a new period in life, with a possible return to Barcelona.
(Vijesti.ba)
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