"I'm happy that Oasis has returned even if I leave." Pep Guardiola, who built the Manchester City dynasty, bids an emotional farewell: "It was incredibly enjoyable."

*This content was translated by AI.

Pep Guardiola (55), who is leaving after building the "Manchester City dynasty," has shared an emotional farewell message.

According to Manchester City's official website and local reports on the 22nd (Korean time), Manager Guardiola decided to step down at the end of this season, with one year remaining on his contract. His farewell match is scheduled to be the final 38th round of the English Premier League (EPL) home game against Aston Villa, to be held on the 25th at the Etihad Stadium.

Manager Guardiola left an emotional farewell message for fans through the club's official website. He said, "Please do not ask why I am leaving. There is no special reason, but I deeply felt in my heart that now is the time to wrap things up." He added, "Nothing is eternal, but the love and memories I have for Manchester City will be eternal."

He expressed deep affection for Manchester's strong city identity. Manager Guardiola recalled, "This city was built through labor, and my team and I understood the value of that hard work and fought through the pain in our own way."

He especially expressed gratitude, saying he would never forget the unity shown by the entire city during the Manchester Arena terror attack and the comfort provided by the club and fans when he lost his mother during the COVID-19 period.

He also cheerfully recalled his first interview with Noel Gallagher of the Manchester-born band Oasis shortly after taking office. Manager Guardiola said, "Poet Tony Walsh said, 'This is the place,' but unfortunately for me, 'This is my place.' Even if I leave, I hope everyone is happy now that Oasis has returned. It was truly an incredibly enjoyable time."

Manager Guardiola, who took charge of Manchester City in July 2016, led the flow of world football for 10 years, transforming Manchester City into the strongest team. During his tenure, he swept up a total of 20 major trophies, including six EPL titles, one UEFA Champions League (UCL) title, three English Football Association (FA) Cup titles, and five League Cup (EFL Cup) titles.

Although he narrowly missed the league title this season after being overtaken by Arsenal, he proved his unwavering leadership by winning both the FA Cup and the League Cup simultaneously.

To honor Manager Guardiola's immense achievements, Manchester City has decided to name the new north stand of the Etihad Stadium after him. The stand with the new name will be unveiled to fans for the first time on the 25th, timed for his farewell match.

Although he is stepping down as manager, his connection with Manchester City will continue. Manager Guardiola plans to join City Football Group as a global ambassador, providing technical advice to its affiliated clubs and assisting with major projects.

Meanwhile, local media outlets such as the UK's BBC have identified former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca as the most likely candidate to succeed him.

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*This content was translated by AI.