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Published on 2024-01-31 18:00:00
Football agent, Tony Sharkey, recently disclosed that Pep Guardiola almost joined Manchester City back in 2005. Sharkey revealed this information during an interview with the BBC.
According to Sharkey, he was asked to find a Premier League club by a Spanish agent for Guardiola to join and go on trial.
Guardiola, who was 34 at the time, was said to be serious about giving the Premier League a try before retiring from his playing career.
Sharkey told the BBC: “I was asked by a Spanish agent to find him a Premier League football club where he would go on trial. He was 34 at the time.
Sharkey described the arrangements for Guardiola’s potential trial at Manchester City, stating that they attended a match at home against West Bromich Albion and also visited the director’s box.
However, despite these arrangements, Guardiola was not ultimately signed. Sharkey reported that Guardiola was offered a six-month deal, but he felt it was too short.
He added: “I was told he was serious about playing in the Premier League and giving the Premier League a shot before he retired. We walked down a corridor and Andy Cole came out of the dressing room, and he did that, you know, hero worship sign (gestures bowing down to Guardiola).
“Then we went to see the home game against West Bromich Albion. We went into the director’s box for that match… but the game itself was not a great advert for the Premier League.
“I was squirming a little bit because it was quite a direct game. David James was launching it for flick ons and knock downs, completely bypassing the midfield. I was just thinking, this is not going to suit Pep’s style of play.
“He was offered a six-month deal but he just felt it was too short.”
This missed opportunity led Guardiola to eventually sign for Dorados in Mexico, after which he retired from his playing career in 2006.
This marked the end of his playing career and the beginning of his transition into a coaching role with Barcelona B in 2007.
Guardiola’s eventual coaching career has been highly successful, with stints at Bayern Munich and Manchester City, where he currently earns £378,846-a-week.
He has achieved numerous trophies and accolades, solidifying his status as one of the most successful coaches in modern football.
The revelation from Sharkey has provided an interesting insight into Guardiola’s career and the pivotal moments that influenced his transition from being a player to becoming a renowned coach.
His tenure at Manchester City has been groundbreaking, and the ongoing success of the team under his leadership brings into perspective the significance of the missed opportunity in 2005.
Despite the failed trial with Manchester City, Guardiola has since carved out an extraordinary career as a coach, making an indelible mark on the footballing world.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
