Pep Guardiola has disclosed that Sir Alex Ferguson sent him a voice message congratulating him following the announcement of his departure from Manchester City at the end of the season. The Catalan manager, who has spent a decade transforming City into a European powerhouse, confirmed his exit on Friday after winning over 20 major trophies during his tenure at the Etihad.
Speaking before City's final home match against Aston Villa, Guardiola revealed the deeply personal nature of Ferguson's message. The legendary Manchester United manager specifically acknowledged the extraordinary standards Guardiola established at City and the club's rise to dominance in both England and Europe. "He congratulated me for the trajectory and for what we achieved. It means a lot to me," Guardiola explained, emphasizing how much the recognition from the Old Trafford icon meant during this transitional moment.
A Tribute from a Football Great
Despite the fierce rivalry between City and United, mutual respect has always defined Guardiola and Ferguson's relationship. Guardiola has consistently cited Ferguson as the benchmark for sustained excellence and longevity in the Premier League. The Scottish tactician, who managed United for 27 years and won 38 trophies, remains a towering influence on Guardiola's philosophy. "It's not to be humble but he is the greatest in this country," Guardiola reflected, drawing parallels between Ferguson's legacy and that of his own mentor, Johan Cruyff.
Guardiola expressed particular satisfaction that Ferguson witnessed City's transformation into a European force, referencing Ferguson's famous "noisy neighbours" jab from years past. "I'm pretty sure that Sir Alex will not call us the noisy neighbours again. We are the neighbours, and I'm so happy that he was there to watch us," the manager said with evident pride. This marks a symbolic validation—the sport's greatest living English manager acknowledging City's complete establishment among Europe's elite clubs.
A Scottish Accent and a Warm Gesture
In a lighter moment at the press conference, Guardiola revealed that Ferguson's message arrived as a voicemail, adding another layer of authenticity to the gesture. The City boss joked about the challenges of deciphering Ferguson's thick Scottish accent, humorously admitting he struggled to catch every word. "Well, with his Scottish accent I struggle. It was a voicemail. I will call him back for sure," Guardiola said with a smile, underscoring the genuine warmth between the two managerial titans.
As Guardiola prepares for his final appearances in blue, Ferguson's endorsement serves as a profound acknowledgment of his transformative impact on English football. The message encapsulates a broader truth: regardless of club colours, greatness recognizes greatness, and the respect between two of football's finest minds transcends rivalry.
