Pep Guardiola tells next Manchester City boss first thing to do when they take over

View 2 Images

Pep Guardiola has told whoever succeeds him as Manchester City boss to be themselves - and not try to copy him.

Guardiola is leaving City following a glorious reign which saw him win 20 trophies in 10 years at the Etihad. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is the favourite to replace Guardiola this summer. And Guardiola insists he is not worried about his club continuing to be successful without him.

He said: "The next manager has to be themselves, that's the most important thing. The new manager, for the way they communicate, treat people, the way they're going to play, work - they have to be them. And this club is very, very good in many things. And the transitions, they always do really well. It will be good."

Guardiola broke down in tears as he bid an emotional farewell after Sunday's loss to Aston Villa . Guardiola took charge of his final game as manager, following 10 glorious years and addressed 60,000 fans from the centre circle of a packed Etihad Stadium.

He struggled to hold it together, in front of his dad Valenti Guardiola, who was watching from the stands after travelling to Manchester to see his son's send off. A montage of the best moments form his reign were played on the big screens, while City also gave lavish tributes to departing duo Bernardo Silva and John Stones .

Guardiola said: "I’m so nervous. Terrified. Why do you love me so much? Why do you do that to me?. I never could imagine the amount of love. It's been incredible, an honour to be your manager. The reason I stayed here is that hopefully we provided you with unbelievable players. Let me take a little break. Hopefully we (City) will continue to fight and give everything.

"The next years you all around the world , you will find me in the streets, and wherever you are as a City fan, come and hug me. I will need it. It has been a huge honour to represent this club. Every decision I took was for the best of this club. I love you so much.

"I will say it - it’s been f*****g fun."

View 2 Images

Guardiola's final act will be to lead his side on an open-top bus parade around Manchester on Monday, when millions are expected to line the streets to say their final goodbyes.

Bernardo Silva, who is also leaving the Etihad, paid a glowing tribute to Guardiola. He hailed him the best manager of all time.

Silva said: "Pep's the reason we won so much. He was at the wheel, making the decisions and creating this monster of a team, that was not only successful for one or two seasons, but for a very long time.

"That's the most difficult thing. He never stopped creating new things, evolving, not allowing oppositions to adapt.

"And on a personal level, he's my father in football. And I'm really grateful for everything he did for me. And I do believe he's the greatest manager ever."

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.