Pep Guardiola has explained that he left Manchester City to spend more time with his family, including his 95-year-old father. Although he had one year left on his contract, he decided to end his ten seasons at the English club earlier than planned.
Following his departure, the Italian national team tempted Guardiola to become their new head coach. He declined the role to focus on his father, as he explained in an interview on the OKX podcast.
Guardiola confessed on the podcast that football had been his entire life since he was a child in his small town, until one month ago. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager asked why he should not try to discover life, be happy, or feel complete as a human being by pursuing activities outside of football.
Plans for the season
When asked about his plans for this season, Guardiola stated that he wants to take care of himself, do sports, and spend much more time with his children. He added that his father is 95 years old and still alive, and he wants to spend more time with him, his sisters, and his brother.
Guardiola revealed that his father always advises him to be a good person and to be kind to people. He noted that being a good boy and showing kindness is what his father always wants to hear from him.
Reflections on football and happiness
Reflecting on his career, Guardiola said that counting trophies does not make him happy. Instead, he remembers human experiences and the moments he lived with people.
He concluded by saying that for the past month he has woken up each morning asking himself if he misses football, and the answer has been no.
