Pep Guardiola experienced a joyful mood as he met the media for his final pre-match press conference at Manchester City, as reported by The Guardian.
He cracked a joke about fielding questions on facing Aston Villa upon entering the room.
After more than 1,100 press conferences in 10 years at Manchester City, he knew this specific session would not be normal.
The media appearance required him to run through the past decade in half an hour.
Guardiola had been building up to this moment for a while, acknowledging that the energy levels were depleted and a break from journalists was needed.
He recently revealed that John Stones experienced great relief after announcing his own departure.
The manager embraced those same feelings, admitting his leaving speech to the players earlier in the day was a disaster.
Finding the right words in these situations proved difficult for the long-serving boss.
“I like to think my vibe and energy will be there for ever,” he said.
Confirmation of his exit arrived at 11.12am, followed by an announcement less than an hour and a half later that the newly expanded North Stand would be named in his honor.
City’s chair, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, delivered that news on a whirlwind morning.
Guardiola learned about his soon-to-be erected statue only when a journalist informed him.
He joked about his fear of being covered in bird poo, though the final pose for the monument remains unconfirmed.
Oasis was referenced in his composed leaving letter for the fans.
The Catalan manager talked emotionally of the 2017 Manchester Arena attacks, when his family happened to be at the venue.
“This is my place,” he said.
The rainy days will not be missed, and no longer hearing questions over the charges City face will bring relief.
Guardiola knows it will be hard to be apart but acknowledges that rest is necessary after a relentless calendar stretching back to 2016.
“This is the time,” he said.
The majority of back-and-forths with journalists this season involved denials that kept everyone second-guessing.
However, his departure at the end of this season felt inevitable, with no discussions held regarding Enzo Maresca or what comes next for City.
Guardiola extended an invitation to Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher to have a beer.
He also recalled his friendship with City fan Noel Gallagher, who once noted the transformation of the team into Premier League title contenders.
The 55-year-old indicated he might seek anonymity after a lifetime in the limelight.
He plans to retreat to play more golf in warmer climes, drink wine, see his children, and see how long it takes for the England manager’s job to become available.
A round of applause marked the culmination of the elongated press conference.
Guardiola booked in drinks with the media, offering wine, charcuterie, handshakes, and a brief heartfelt impression of a journalist.
Speeches were exchanged and Pep-branded caps were given out before a final photo was taken on the pitch.
Next week he will be on a beach, having turned down the offer to play in the annual match between media and City staff.
“It’s been the experience of my life,” he said.
