Sir Alex Ferguson has extended his congratulations to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as he prepares to mark his 1,000th match in management.
Guardiola will achieve this milestone when City, who have won six Premier League titles and secured Champions League glory, face Liverpool on Sunday.
In a statement from the League Managers Association, the legendary former Manchester United manager Ferguson, who managed over 2,000 games throughout his illustrious career, said: “Pep! I am truly thrilled to welcome you into the esteemed LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club.”
“Your profound love and passion for football have always been clear, and you should take great pride in the lasting impact you continue to have on the global game.
“Achieving 1,000 matches and maintaining such longevity in football is a milestone that should never be underestimated, especially as you continue to secure league, Champions League, and domestic cup titles across three of Europe’s most competitive leagues.”
Guardiola began his managerial journey with Barcelona B before progressing to the senior Barcelona, then enjoying success at Bayern Munich, and finally joining Manchester City in 2016. He has won 715 of his 999 matches to date.
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“I am incredibly proud to reach the 1,000 matches milestone as a manager, which has always been a personal goal for me,” Guardiola remarked.
Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the LMA, added: “Pep has devoted his entire career to achieving excellence, driven by an unparalleled will to win and a globally recognized style.
“His accomplishments and success in Spain, Germany, and England are without parallel, and his influence will continue to shape the game for generations to come.”