Pep Guardiola gives emotional speech to Manchester City fans as he says goodbye to Premier League

Pep Guardiola announces he is leaving Manchester City

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Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 24/05/2026

- 20:51

The Spaniard leaves City after a decade at the club, and 20 trophies won

Pep Guardiola gave an emotional speech to Manchester City fans as he said goodbye to the Premier League.

The legendary manager, who won 20 trophies during his 10 years with the Citizens, was in tears as he stood on the pitch of the Etihad Stadium and addressed the supporters.


Starting his speech, the Spaniard said: "A minute of silence please.

"I'm so nervous. Terrified right now. Why do you love me so much? Why do you do that to me?

Pep Guardiola

Guardiola gave an emotional speech to the Manchester City fans

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REUTERS

"I never could imagine the amount of love. It has been an incredible, tremendous honour to be your manager and to be here during these 10 years.

"The video was so long because of the amount of trophies and incredible emotions. Please, I would love you not to just remember the trophies that we won.

"That's the reason why I could stay 10 years; nobody can sustain so many years here.

"Hopefully, through these unbelievable players, we provided emotions that made people come here and feel maybe we are going to have fun. That is the reason why we are here."

Pep Guardiola

The Spaniard expressed his gratitude to the supporters

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REUTERS

Addressing the impact it has had on him and his family, Guardiola said: "My dad is here in the stands, 94 years old. Maybe he doesn't realise it, but I'm pretty sure my wife and my kids realise that for many, many years our family name will be here [in the new stand].

"That is the huge honour I could receive from this club.

"That's why I want to say thank you so much, of course, to Sheikh Mansour, but especially Khaldoon Al Mubarak for delivering this immense honour that I will have for the rest of my life.

"My family, represented by my dad here and maybe others watching from above, our name will be here forever."

Pep Guardiola

The City fans paid thanks to their legendary manager

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REUTERS

Turning his attention to his players, Guardiola said: "The players don't know it, but I will be there controlling them!

"They have to continue making the performances and maintaining the standards that legends like Fernandinho, Gundogan, Ederson, John Stones and Bernardo Silva created here.

"Congratulations to John and Bernie for their incredible careers and for the unbelievable number of games they played in our shirt.

"They have a huge responsibility to maintain these standards."

Pep Guardiola

Guardiola was in tears at the Etihad Stadium

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REUTERS

Concluding his speech, the Spaniard said: "I never expected to be here for 10 years. Manchester became my home.

"One more thing before you all go home for beers or wine or whatever… if in the next few years you see me in the streets anywhere around the world, if you are a Manchester City fan, come and hug me. I will need it.

"It has been a huge honour to represent this club. Every decision I took, even with all the mistakes, I always thought about what was best for this club. I love you so much.

"And let me finish with what I wanted to say a few days ago, that they didn't allow me to say. It has been f******g fun."