Julián Álvarez's departure from Manchester City to join Atlético Madrid surprised many, including his former coach, Pep Guardiola. In a press conference ahead of the Community Shield against Manchester United, Guardiola bid Álvarez farewell with words full of gratitude and admiration, making it clear just how much the young striker had impacted his time with the ‘Citizens.’

The Catalan manager didn’t hold back in his praise for the Argentine: “First of all, I want to express my gratitude to Julián. We’ve won everything, and his contribution was enormous. The team loved him very much for his behavior, but if he wants to leave, if he wants to face a new challenge, there’s no problem. We wish him the best,” Guardiola said.

Guardiola also highlighted how much he personally learned from Álvarez during their time together. “I’ve learned a lot from him, and I hope he finds what he’s looking for,” the coach confessed.

One of the most significant aspects of the farewell was Guardiola's understanding of Álvarez’s decision to seek new horizons. “I don’t know the reason, but he told me he wants a new challenge, that he feels this is what he needs to do,” Guardiola explained.

Pep Guardiola also took the opportunity to reflect on his own future. “I have to think about what to do with my life, whether I want to stay here, take a break, or even manage a national team,” Guardiola revealed, leaving his long-term future with Manchester City uncertain.