Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho pen emotional Manchester City farewell messages to Pep Guardiola

Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho pen emotional Manchester City farewell messages to Pep Guardiola Ilkay Gundogan describes Guardiola as “never just a manager” but “a mentor, leader & friend” Fernandinho says Catalan changed the way football is “understood, played & experienced” Former Man City captains took to Instagram to pay tribute following Friday’s announcement of Guardiola’s departure Former Manchester City captains Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho have sent heartfelt tributes to Pep Guardiola ahead of his final game in charge of the club on Sunday. Both midfielders played central roles in the most successful period in Manchester City ‘s history under Guardiola – Ilkay Gundogan across two separate spells at the club and Fernandinho across six years that encompassed five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League . Their messages, posted on Instagram in the hours following Friday’s confirmation of Guardiola’s exit, reflect the profound personal impact the Catalan has had on those who have worked closest to him.

Manchester City announce permanent tributes to Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium The tributes add to an outpouring of emotion from across world football since the news of Guardiola’s departure was confirmed — with City also announcing that the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be renamed The Pep Guardiola Stand in his permanent honour. Gundogan: He made me a better player and a better person Gundogan’s tribute was among the most personal and detailed to emerge since Friday’s announcement, speaking to a relationship that extended far beyond the training ground. “Pep, what can I say?

Where do I start? It’s difficult to truly describe the impact Pep has had, not only on Manchester City as a football club, but on everything around it as well. The trophies and achievements speak for themselves.

But what made him special was always much bigger than winning,” the German wrote. “For me personally, he was never just a manager. He was a mentor, a leader and also a friend.