Pep Guardiola reveals he almost joined Manchester City in 2005

Manchester, July 5: Newly appointed Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola suggested that he had almost moved to the club in 2005 as a player but for some reason the transfer never happened.

English Premier League giants Manchester City had announced in the beginning of this year that they have signed a deal with the then Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola. Guardiola took over at the club from outgoing manager Manuel Pellegrini a month back after the 2015/16 season ended.

The Spaniard reached Manchester last week and it seems he has already started to blend in with the new environement.

Yesterday, (July 4) Guardiola mentioned that he had almost joined the Cityzens in 2005-06 at the twilight of his career but due to some reason the deal fell off. He also mentioned that he was glad the deal never happened as it would have proved to be a disaster for both the parties.

Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the best midfielder to have donned the FC Barcelona jersey in last 20 years. He was a legend at the club and spent 12 seasons at the club.

In 2005, after leaving Qatar club Al-Hali he had an offer from Manchester City but he later decide to retire from football. At present, Pep is one of the most coveted managers in world football.

Speaking to City fan and Oasis lead singer Noel Gallagher about his failed move to the club in 2005, Guardiola said: "I have to say something - Stuart Pearce was right. Definitely.

"I came here at 33-34 years old and in that time as a football player I was definitely a disaster. It was so intelligent not to pick me up.

"My dream in that time was to play in the Premier League. He offered me one half year - not a complete season. I had to wonder about family, I can not live without them and in the end we didn't decide [to sign].

"When you analyse in that moment my physical condition I think it was the right decision. Don't pick Pep up."

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