Pep Guardiola has disclosed that former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson contacted him ahead of his departure from Manchester City, with the City boss admitting the message from the Scot ranked among the greatest compliments of his career.
Guardiola is preparing to leave City at the conclusion of the campaign after a decade in charge that transformed the club into one of the dominant forces in European football.
His final days at the Etihad will bring an end to an era that has produced silverware, records and a sustained period of success rarely witnessed in the modern game.
Since arriving in Manchester in 2016, the Spaniard has guided City to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League crowns and the Champions League title.
His influence on English football has extended beyond results, reshaping tactical approaches and setting new standards for consistency at the highest level.
The 55-year-old’s farewell press conference on Friday became reflective in tone as he spoke about his achievements and the reaction from figures across football.
Among the messages he received, Guardiola highlighted the note sent by Ferguson, describing it as deeply meaningful given the legendary former United manager’s status in the sport.
“I know I had incredible success during my time as the manager and it is nice to be there,” Guardiola said.
“One of the biggest, biggest compliments I had, I got a message from Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday, two days ago, and that made me so happy.”
The relationship between Guardiola and Ferguson has long carried a sense of mutual respect despite the fierce rivalry between their clubs.
Before Guardiola’s arrival in England, Ferguson had attempted to persuade the former Barcelona coach to succeed him at Manchester United.
During Guardiola’s sabbatical year after leaving Barcelona in 2012, Ferguson personally met him in an effort to convince him to move to Old Trafford.
Guardiola ultimately chose to join Bayern Munich instead, spending three seasons in Germany before taking charge at City four years later.
By then, Ferguson had already retired after more than 26 years at United, leaving behind a legacy that included 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs.
Guardiola’s eventual arrival across the city would usher in a new period of dominance, this time led by City.
Respect forged through rivalry between the Manchester clubs
Although they never managed against one another in English football, Ferguson and Guardiola shared memorable battles on the European stage.
Guardiola’s Barcelona side defeated United in both the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, performances many observers still regard among the finest produced by a club team in the competition.
Those encounters established Guardiola’s reputation as one of football’s brightest coaching minds while also reinforcing the admiration Ferguson held for the Catalan’s philosophy and methods.
Speaking about Ferguson during his final media appearance as City manager, Guardiola was generous in his praise for the former United boss and acknowledged the significance of receiving recognition from someone he considers the benchmark in British football management.
“He is the greatest in this country. The tenure, the time, and for many, many reasons,” Guardiola added.
“I’m happy that Sir Alex Ferguson, the greatest could [see]… I’m pretty sure [to] Sir Alex we are not the ‘noisy neighbours’, we are the ‘neighbours’. Just ‘the neighbours’. And I’m happy that he has been watching.”
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The “noisy neighbours” remark referenced Ferguson’s famous description of City during the early years of the club’s rise following major investment.
At the time, United remained the dominant force in Manchester, but City’s growth under Guardiola would eventually shift the balance of power.
Under the Spaniard, Manchester City produced several record-breaking campaigns, including a 100-point Premier League season and a historic treble-winning year.
His teams became known for relentless possession football, tactical flexibility and an ability to maintain domestic superiority over extended periods.
Guardiola’s departure will inevitably raise questions about what comes next for City and whether the club can sustain the same level of excellence without the manager who oversaw its most successful era.
