Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was on Monday conferred with an honorary degree by the University of Manchester in recognition of his remarkable impact both on and off the pitch since his arrival at the club in 2016.
The university’s chancellor awarded Guardiola an honorary doctorate during a special ceremony that celebrated his accomplishments with City, notably six Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph, as well as his contributions to the local community through the Guardiola Sala Foundation.
“I have spent nine years here and it has become home,” Guardiola said. “The people, the culture, my incredible football club, my colleagues … it is all so special to me and my family.
“When I arrived here in 2016, I did not know how long I would spend here. The way this city embraced me made everything easy. My time here has been beautiful.”
Professor Duncan Ivison, the university’s president and vice chancellor, praised Guardiola as “an innovator and a winner who has inspired millions of people through his success as a manager.”
“He has played a huge role in making Manchester a global success story,” Ivison added. “And we are honored that he has chosen to accept this degree. I hope that this forges another important connection between him, the University of Manchester, and the city.”
Guardiola’s influence extends beyond football, with his legacy in Manchester continuing to grow through his professional achievements and community involvement.
