During that time, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League, a haul few in football management can match.
Ferguson retired from management in 2013, personally meeting with Guardiola the previous year while Guardiola was on a year-long sabbatical after leaving the Camp Nou to try and convince him to take over at Old Trafford.
Love football?
Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we’ve got everything you need to know. Sign up now.
The Catalan instead took the reins at Bayern Munich before landing in the blue half of Manchester in 2016.
Ferguson and Guardiola locked horns in two Champions League finals in 2009 and 2011 with the latter’s all-conquering Barcelona side outclassing United on both occasions.
Speaking during his final press conference as City boss on Friday, Guardiola revealed the Scot had been in touch to pass on his congratulations.
Guardiola will step down after winning 20 trophies as City boss (Picture: Getty)
‘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.’
Guardiola added: ‘He is the greatest in this country. The tenure, the time, and for many, many reasons.
‘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.’
Ferguson has been a regular at Old Trafford since retiring. Ahead of the Premier League match against Liverpool at the start of May, the 84-year-old was taken to hospital for precautionary medical attention.
Man City rocked again with star ‘eager’ to follow Pep Guardiola out exit door Sports Guardiola is expected to leave City when the season comes to an end (Picture: Getty Images) Rodri could follow Pep Guardiola out the Manchester City exit this summer with the midfielder ‘eager’ to join Real Madrid. City’s Premier League title hopes came to an end on Tuesday night with Arsenal…
Alan Shearer makes prediction for Pep Guardiola’s next job after quitting Man City Sports Alan Shearer has heaped praise on outgoing Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Picture: Betfair) Alan Shearer believes Pep Guardiola will see conquering international management as his next challenge amid mounting speculation he is set to leave Manchester City. Sunday’s final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa appears…
Pep Guardiola speaks out on Man City future after losing title race Sports Pep Guardiola has not confirmed his expected Manchester City exit (Picture: Getty Images) Pep Guardiola insists no decision has been made about his Manchester City future, despite reports that he will depart at the end of this season. City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Tuesday night which ended the Premier…
Why Pep Guardiola is leaving Man City and how he has reacted to the ‘leak’ Sports Pep Guardiola has reportedly decided to call time on his illustrious Manchester City tenure (Picture: Getty) Pep Guardiola is expected to bring the curtain down on a remarkable, decade-long reign at Manchester City this summer, with widespread reports on Monday suggesting his mind is now made up. Speculation over Guardiola’s…
Pep Guardiola confirms he is leaving Man City Sports Pep Guardiola has called time on his 10-year stint at Man City (Getty) Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season. The 55-year-old has won 17 major trophies since joining City in 2016, including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups…
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
