Manchester City fans everywhere will be breathing a sigh of relief today, as Pep Guardiola put to bed any rumours about his future with the club.
With his deal set to expire after this season, a feeling that the Spaniard may move on had started to creep in, especially given his tendency to not stick around for too long.
However, Guardiola has now committed himself to the Etihad with a new deal lasting until at least 2023, saying that he couldn’t leave without being able to welcome fans back to the stadium first.
He told City’s website: “I don’t want to leave without saying hello and maybe bye in the stadium. All the clubs we need fans, but of course especially I am talking about ours.
“They must know we think a lot about them when we play, especially at home. How empty and sad it is. But hopefully it will finish soon and finally we can be together.
“I want them to be proud. I know we did it in the past, the way we played in the last few years. But we are looking forward to it again in the stadium.”
Pep went on to talk about the supporters who had been around for the far less glamorous years with the club.
“I never forget when I learned about when these fans were in Maine Road, in the second division, not fighting where we are now, and 35,000 follow the team.
“When that happens, that shows how special a club is. It’s not just about winning titles.
“Of course it’s important but sometimes it’s more important to not forget what we were.
“What we are right now is really, really good and the target again is fighting all together. We want to maintain this level in UK, Europe as best as possible.”
Featured image credit: Getty